Dr. David Burkart, known expert in the field of ecclesial heraldry, was engaged to ’emblazon’ a Coat of Arms for the Shrine as we move forward. Heraldry is a specialized field of identification, where the symbols and colors used are meant to convey a message. In this case, the design Dr. Burkart developed draws on the rich symbolism of the Dominican Order, which built this beloved church and shrine, as well as the Quebecois and Portuguese traditions which sustained St. Anne Church and Shrine for over a century. While the language used to describe the image is arcane, we hope that you will begin to see this image in various places and events at St. Anne.
Translating the colors used: Sable=Black, Or=Gold, Argent=Silver, Azure=Blue. The Fleur de Lis represents the heritage of the Quebecois immigrants, the Iberian Shield is taken from the flag of Portugal, and the SA in the trefoil is that of the Shrine itself. All are impressed on the simple shield of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) and surmounted by the symbols of authority, the Torse (which is a staff of government) and the Gold Crown (coronet) as subject to proper legal authority. Our motto is taken from the engraving “DOM” over the front doors of the upper church: “To God, the Greatest and Best”.