Arms of St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica
Arms of St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica
Blazon
Barry wavy Or and Azure a lily flower proper, on a chief Azure a mullet Or between two mayflowers proper;
Symbolism
The wavy bars represent water, referring to Halifax’s importance as an Atlantic sea port. The lily is a symbol of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is thus a reference to the Cathedral’s patron. The gold star, the Stella Maris or “star of the sea”, is another Marian symbol. The mayflowers are the provincial floral emblem of Nova Scotia.
Motto of St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica
Blazon
JESU FLOS MATRIS VIRGINIS;
Symbolism
JESU FLOS MATRIS VIRGINIS, meaning “Jesus, flower born of the Virgin Mother” is from the third hymn, fifth stanza (for Lauds) of the poem Jesu Dulcis Memoria, attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153).
