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Bushnell, Illinois, United States of America
Grant of Arms, Flags and Badge
April 15, 2022
Vol. VIII, p. 81
Arms of Patrick Kevin O'NealBlazonOr a hand Gules, in the dexter canton a mullet of eight points, a base wavy Azure charged with three barrulets wavy Argent; SymbolismThis design is inspired by the arms of numerous members of Irish O’Neill families. The red hand refers to an ancient Irish legend according to which, in the race to reach Ulster first and thus gain its crown, an O’Neill warrior cut off his hand and threw it on the shore to outstrip his competitors. The eight-pointed star, as well as the colour blue, are frequently associated with the Virgin Mary. The wavy stripes symbolize the Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church. The three white stripes further represent the Holy Trinity and the three great North American rivers in Fr. O’Neal’s life and career: the Saint Lawrence, the Mississippi and the Illinois. |
MottoBlazonDEXTRA DOMINI EXCELSA; SymbolismThis Latin phrase, signifying “The right hand of the Lord is exalted,” is taken from the Bible (Psalm 118:16) and refers to Fr. O’Neal’s faith as a Roman Catholic priest. Furthermore, it also alludes to the O’Neill legend of the red hand of Ulster. |
Flag of Patrick Kevin O'NealBlazonA banner of the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Flag of Patrick Kevin O'NealBlazonA pennant of three points Or charged with a mullet of eight points environed by a salmon leaping Azure; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Flag of Patrick Kevin O'NealBlazonA standard, the Arms in hoist, the fly Argent charged with an ecclesiastical hat with two tassels Sable and two representations of the Badge separated by two bends sinister Argent edged and inscribed with the Motto in letters Sable; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of Patrick Kevin O'NealBlazonA salmon leaping engoulant a hazelnut Or within three concentric annulets Sable; SymbolismThe salmon and the hazelnut allude to the Irish Salmon of Knowledge found in many O’Neill coats of arms. They represent Fr. O’Neal’s career in teaching, both at the high school and college levels. The black rings are a reference to the Grianan of Aileach, an ancient Irish hill fort in county Donegal, Ireland. Said to have been built by the Northern Uí Néills, it pays homage to Fr. O’Neal’s ancestors. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on October 29, 2022 in Volume 156, page 5123 of the Canada Gazette.     |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Patrick O’Neal and Alix Chartrand, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterPalina Klimava CalligrapherYolande Lessard Recipient TypeIndividual |