Archbishop's Coat of Arms

History

Heraldry originated about a thousand years ago in Europe, where it was used by the warrior classes as a means of differentiating combatants on the field of battle.  As Europe developed and the feudal warrior class disappeared, the practice of identifying one's possessions with personal emblems flourished. Ecclesiastical heraldry grew out of this practice, initially to differentiate between the various degrees of the clerical estate. The Pope and most bishops adopt a personal coat of arms, which today is used primarily to identify communications from their particular office. Archbishop Richard Smith adopted his personal coat of arms when he was appointed Bishop of Pembroke, Ontario.

Heraldic Description of Arms

(In Blazon, the language of heraldry)

Per chevron Argent and Azure three stalks of wheat surmounted by a cluster of grapes palewise; Or and in chief a Trefoil slipped Ver and a Rose Gules barbed and seeded proper.

The Symbolism

The symbols of the upper portion of the shield represent the family origins of Archbishop Smith. The rose stands for his English (Smith) descent: and the shamrock for his Irish (Butts) ancestry. Symbolized in the lower section are the mainstays of his life in Christ. The wheat and grape signify the Euchairst, the source and summit of the Christian Life (cf. Sacrosanctum concilium, 10). The blue background honours the Blessed Virgin Mary, "our mother in the order of grace" (Lumen gentium, 61).

The Motto

Fiat Voluntas Tua

These words, Latin for "Thy will be done," taken from the Lord's Prayer (cf. Matthew 6.10), give expression to that disposition of heart, which is the foundation of Christian discipleship. Jesus Christ, the Son of God made flesh for our salvation, gave his fiat to the will of the Father when He came into the world (cf. Hebrews 10.7). Hence, the disciple of Jesus is called to give, in faith and obedience, his or her fiat to the divine plan of salvation in Christ and to all that the Father wills for its accomplishment, as did Mary, the mother of our Lord (cf. Luke 1.38).