- 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.
Raymond Olier Roussin
Vancouver, British Columbia
Grant of Arms
February 10, 2004
Vol. IV, p. 360
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure the cross of the Society of Mary (a Latin cross conjoined with the letter M) Argent between in base two ears of wheat their stems in saltire Or;
Motto
FORTES IN FIDE;
Symbolism
Arms
The cross is the insignia of the Society of Mary and refers to Archbishop Roussin’s ordination to the priesthood as a member of the Congregation of Marianists. He was Superior of the Order from 1980 to 1986. Blue is a colour traditionally associated with Mary. The cross reflects the Marian spirituality of the Order, that “Christ comes to us through Mary, Mary forms Christ and continues to do so in us”. The grains of wheat symbolize Archbishop Roussin’s prairie roots. The wheat also represents the image of the grain which must fall to the ground to bring forth new life. As well, they represent the Bread of Life, the Eucharist. Archbishop Roussin may bear the Arms placed on a patriarchal golden cross ensigned by the green clerical hat of a Roman Catholic archbishop.
Motto
The Motto, meaning “Steadfast in faith”, is said of a person whose life is deeply rooted in the person of Christ.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 12, 2005, in Volume 139, page 687 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Raymond Olier Roussin and Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
Gordon Macpherson
Calligrapher
Shirley Mangione
Recipient Information
Individual