- 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.
Helen Kathleen Mussallem
Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Supporters
March 5, 1996
Vol. III, p. 78
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Gules a cedar of Lebanon erased and encircled by six maple leaves stems inward Or;
Crest
Issuant from a grassy mound Vert two maple trees trunks Argent leaves alternately Or and Gules;
Supporters
On a grassy mound Vert set dexter and sinister with a lamp respectant Or enflamed Gules rising above barry wavy Argent and Azure two female cougars Or gorged with a collar set on the upper edge with hearts Gules pendant therefrom dexter a torteau charged with a globe described in lines Or sinister a torteau charged with a Greek cross surmounted by a cross of Antioch Or;
Motto
NON MINISTRARI SED MINISTRARE;
Motto
FREELY YE HAVE RECEIVED FREELY GIVE;
Symbolism
Arms
The cedar of Lebanon honours the heritage of Dr. Mussallem and her parents, and the six maple leaves represent their six Canadian-born children.
Crest
The two trees symbolize Solomon Mussallem and Annie Bassette, Dr. Mussallem’s parents and the founders of the Canadian branch of the family.
Supporters
The cougars are animals of grace, spirit and determination, qualities exemplified by Dr. Mussallem. They are also native to British Columbia and thus celebrate her birthplace. The globe medallion symbolizes the international character of Dr. Mussallem’s professional and volunteer service as a special advisor to national and international health organizations. The medallion showing the Greek cross juxtaposed with the cross of Antioch alludes to her parents’ Christian denominations.
Motto
NON MINISTRARI SED MINISTRARE means “Not to be ministered unto but to minister” and refers to the motto used by her basic school of nursing, the Vancouver General Hospital School of Nursing.
Motto
FREELY YE HAVE RECEIVED FREELY GIVE is taken from Matthew 10:8 and is a special saying often stated by Dr. Mussallem’s mother.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on November 23, 1996, in Volume 130, page 3279 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept by Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
Joan Bouwmeester
Calligrapher
Joan Bouwmeester
Recipient Information
Individual