Arms of St. Thomas University
Arms of St. Thomas University
Blazon
Party per chevron Vert and Or in chief a lymphad under sail oars in action between two suns in their splendour and in base a Latin cross bottony all counterchanged;
Symbolism
Green and gold are the University’s colours. The chevron division is taken from the arms of the Dominican Order, to which the University’s patron, St. Thomas Aquinas, belonged. The suns are symbolic of the learning or light of knowledge for which the community at St. Thomas strives, one indicating the light of the mind as exercised by the philosopher, and the other being the informing light of revelation as experienced by the theologian, each of which finds expression in St. Thomas Aquinas. The Latin cross is symbolic of Christianity, which guides the University’s learning and speaks to the Roman Catholic tradition of its community. The tips of the cross resemble shamrocks, which St. Patrick used to illustrate the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. St. Thomas University owes much to the faith of the Irish Catholic community in New Brunswick. The lymphad, or ship, is found in the arms of New Brunswick, and also alludes to the Miramichi and Saint John rivers along whose banks St. Thomas University has been located. The placement of the ship between the suns can allude to the daily journey of learning. The appearance of the chevron division also creates the idea of the ship’s wake, the ship as a metaphor for the church, and the cross indicative of Christian learning.
Crest of St. Thomas University
Blazon
The demi-figure of St. Michael the Archangel proper habited in a robe Argent corded Or nimbed of the same holding in the dexter hand a sword proper hilted and pommelled Or and bearing in the sinister hand a target leathered and studded proper;
Symbolism
St. Michael the Archangel indicates that the University had its origins as St. Michael’s Academy in Chatham, New Brunswick.
Motto of St. Thomas University
Blazon
DOCE BONITATEM SCIENTIAM ET DISCIPLINAM;
Symbolism
Meaning “Teach me goodness and knowledge and discipline”, this Latin phrase speaks to the teaching that is designed to give the students that culture of the mind. This phrase is taken from Psalm 119 (Vulgate 118) verse 66.
