Last Updated: Friday - 09/24/2010

Edmonton Archdiocese gets a coat of arms

EDMONTON - For the first time in its 139-year history, the Edmonton Archdiocese has its own coat of arms.

The coat of arms, developed by Bruce Patterson and the Canadian Heraldic Authority, represents both the history of the archdiocese and fundamental Catholic beliefs.

The blue on the coat of arms refers to the healing waters of Lac Ste. Anne, the first Catholic mission in what is now Alberta and the site of the province's largest annual pilgrimage. It also refers to the waters of Baptism and to Mary, the mother of God.

The white refers to the truth and hope Christians find in the Gospel and gold to the providence and glory of God.

The white chevron in the middle of the coat of arms is a carpenter's square, an emblem of St. Joseph, the patron of the archdiocese. It also alludes to the Rocky Mountains in the west end of the archdiocese.

The ears of wheat symbolize both the Bread of Life and the agricultural roots of the Prairie economy.

The snowshoes represent the ministry of Bishop Vital Grandin, the first bishop who is said to have walked 40,000 kilometres in his snowshoes.

The Greek letters Chi and Ro refer to the name of Christ.

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