Diocese of Antigonish
Explanation of our Diocesan Coat of Arms
Description of the Arms of the Diocese of Antigonish, NS
Arms:Blazon:
Azure, a saltire voided of the field Argent, over all in pale a crozier, and behind the crozier, in fess a chain arranged in the form of a festoon with two lengths hanging free at either end, all Or (gold).
The silver saltire (or St. Andrew's Cross) voided for difference, recalls the national standard of Scotland, Azure (blue): a saltire Argent (silver or white).
Rationale:
The Coat of Arms of the Diocese of Antigonish was developed by Dom Wilford Bayne, OSB, of Portsmouth Abbey.
The field or background of the Arms is based on the flag or banner of Scotland - reflecting the fact that the phrase "Nova Scotia", the Canadian Province in which the Diocese is located, is latin for "New Scotland". The banner of Scotland (Silver/White) Cross Saltire on a blue field (background) was differenced (changed) by voiding (removing the center part) the Silver Cross Saltire (the White X), also known as the Cross of St. Andrew. The prominence of the Cross Saltires also reflects the strong on-going and strong historical connection with St. Francis Xavier University, simply known as "X" to many people.The crozier and chain are among the symbols of St. Ninian, the Patron Saint of the Diocese.
The crozier, of course, reflects the fact that Ninian was a bishop - one of the first to bring the good news of Jesus Christ north of Hadrian's Wall to the Picts of Scotland. Very little is factually known about the life of Ninian - most of the biographies of his life were written about 600 to 700 years after his death.
The Chain in the Coat of Arms of the Diocese is depicted on several images of the Saint; however, it is not depicted in all images. Whether this is a reference to the activities of Ninian in freeing slaves and captives in the literal sense or in the figurative sense is not sure. However, Dom Wilford Bayne, OSB, did incorporate the chain in the Arms of the Diocese. It is arranged in such a way as to form an "M", which is almost certainly an allusion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus.
The chain is also reminiscent of Luke 4: Luke.4 (14-21)
And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and a report concerning him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and he went to the synagogue, as his custom was, on the sabbath day. And he stood up to read; and there was given to him the book of the prophet Isaiah. He opened the book and found the place where it was written, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." And he closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."
Links to Sites about St. Ninian: (the credibility, stories or facts in these pages are the responsibilities of their authors)-
Life of St. Ninian
Ancient Story of St. Ninian
Another Life of St. Ninian
St. Ninian
Scottish Anglican Life of St. Ninian
