- The Governor General of Canada
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Terry Michael Brown
Hamilton, Ontario
Grant of Arms
April 20, 2023
Vol. VIII, p. 176
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per fess enhanced Vert and Azure a bar wavy Argent between in chief a chalice issuant therefrom a host flanked by two wings displayed and in base a cross moline voided throughout Or;
Motto
HEMI KAMAP OLSEM WAKAMAN;
Symbolism
Arms
Green and blue, the colours of the Solomon Islands flag, refer to the bountiful land and sea of the island nation, where Bishop Brown spent a lengthy portion of his career. The wavy band represents the surf and waves through which he frequently travelled in his former diocese. These features also evoke the arms of the Anglican Diocese of Niagara, his current place of canonical residence. The chalice and host allude to Bishop Brown’s sacramental ministry, as well as to the subject of his doctoral thesis, the Society of the Catholic Commonwealth, which used the chalice and host as its emblem. The wings make a punning allusion to Saint Michael the Archangel and Bishop Brown’s middle name. As eagle wings, they refer to the country of his birth and long-time place of residence, the eagle being the national bird of both the United States of America, and the Solomon Islands’ province of Malaita. The stylized cross is based on a design for a walking staff created for Bishop Brown during his time in Solomon Islands by members of the Melanesian Brotherhood; its points evoke a flying bird and, therefore, the dove of the Holy Spirit.
Motto
This Solomon Islands Pijin phrase, meaning “He became like a worker-man,” derives from the Bible, Philippians 2:7, “[Christ] took the form of a servant.” It represents Bishop Brown’s practice of mission, which focuses on the theology of kenosis (the self-emptying of power to take on servanthood). The use of Pijin shows Bishop Brown’s love for the province of Malaita, for his former diocese there, and for the people of Solomon Islands.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on January 1, 1900, in Volume 0, page 0 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Terry Michael Brown and Alix Chartrand, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Katherine Golightly
Calligrapher
Yolande Lessard
Recipient Information
Individual