- The Governor General of Canada
The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
Stephen Andrew Hero
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
Grant of Arms and Badge
December 15, 2021
Vol. VIII, p. 42
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Sable a saltire pommé throughout between in chief and in base six mullets Or and in the flanks two turtledoves respectant Argent;
Motto
DEUS SOLUS;
Badge
A Latin cross pommé Or between two turtledoves Argent, one in dexter base contourné and the other perched on the sinister limb, all ensigned by three mullets in chevron Or;
Symbolism
Arms
For Bishop Hero, black represents both earth and mystery, while gold symbolizes divine glory and the royal dignity of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. White stands for purity and holiness. The saltire shape alludes to the cross of St. Andrew, as well as the tilted cross on the crown of St. Stephen of Hungary, the two saints after whom Bishop Hero is named. More generally, it also indicates that disciples must share in the cross of Jesus. The two turtledoves stand for St. Joseph, embodying the love for one’s God and one’s neighbours, and mark Bishop Hero’s association with St. Joseph’s Seminary in Edmonton, Alberta, of which he formerly was rector. The twelve stars are sometimes found in artistic depictions of Mary.
Motto
This Latin phrase, meaning “God alone,” is taken from Psalm 85:10 in the Vulgate Bible: “For you are great and do wondrous things; you are God alone.”
Badge
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 19, 2022, in Volume 156, page 1207 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Stephen Andrew Hero, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Robert Grey
Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek
Recipient Information
Individual