Designing a coat of arms: creating a unique, visual signature for Bishop-elect Gary Franken

One of the more interesting creative tasks facing a newly announced bishop-elect is the creation of a coat of arms. Necessary for their new formal identity as a bishop, the process is at its heart a very personal and contemplative endeavour, imbued with an eye toward history, meaning, and symbolism.

A well-designed coat of arms should tell a story about the bishop it represents, highlighting important facets of the life’s journey, family heritage, and anticipated ministry.

There are several specific elements that make up a coat of arms: the crest (a distinctive figure on top of the helmet), the wreath (a length of twisted cloth), the helmet (traditionally a style of medieval knight’s helmet), mantling (flowing cloth), a shield (the main area of design and essential part of the arms), and a motto.

All represent specific locations within the overall design and are subject to the vision of the person choosing. Obviously, a new bishop embarking on the task of design looks at each of these areas carefully, seeking advice from the official herald as to the meaning or symbolism behind certain items while also receiving guidance as to how best to tell his personal story.

First, the herald assigned to the project develops a written description of the coat of arms. This is based on previous meetings with the bishop-elect. Once the preliminary ideas are mapped out, the new bishop signs an agreement with an artist at the heraldic authority to create the design.

At all stages, the work generated by the artist must be approved by both the bishop-elect and the chief herald.  After much back and forth, the final step is to prepare the letters patent. This is the official notice of an award of arms – which includes a drawing of the armorial bearings and the accompanying legal text and detailed explanation of the symbolism of the bearings. These are written in both English and French, although the petitioner is free to choose which language will be placed in the left column of the document.

When it comes to certain elements, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has specific guidelines. For example, the crest and supporters of the coat of arms are common to all bishops. A green galero (ecclesiastical hat) sits upon a gold processional cross. These form the crest. Also, the number of tassels on either side are determined by rank. That means bishops have six, archbishops 10, and cardinals get 15. On a Cardinal’s coat of arms, the galero and tassels are red instead of green.

For his motto, Father Franken has chosen the Latin phrase Caritas Vero Aedificat, which means “Love Truly Edifies.” As someone committed to spiritual direction, Father Franken’s motto exemplifies individual connection and the building of genuine rapport with others.

“To edify someone is to build them up,” he said, adding that the choice of the word edify “speaks to the fact that the role of a minister is bringing the good news that God builds us up into the saints we are meant to be.”

Other parts chosen for his coat of arms include a sword, symbolizing God’s “message of truth that pierces our hearts, and a rose, in honour of the Virgin Mary – which also does double duty as homage to Holy Rosary Cathedral in his hometown of Vancouver. Additionally, the rose is flanked by two tulips – a non-traditional choice – but one dedicated to honouring his beloved parents’ Dutch heritage.

Finally, Bishop-elect Franken’s coat of arms will contain a shield that is cut into quarters, representing the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

With the core design planned out and the final art in finishing stages, the wait to see the coat of arms unveiled adds a level of excitement and curiosity to the upcoming ordination ceremony. A grant of armorial bearings is a significant honour conferred within the Canadian Honours System of official orders, decorations, and medals of Canada, mainly because it is a recognition of distinguished service to a country.

Considering that service will be as a spiritual shepherd looking to bring souls to God, it only enhances the recognition even more.

Coat of arms creation in Canada: heraldry might seem a touch medieval but it’s alive and well in the 21st century   

In the Catholic Church, the ordination of a new bishop is cause for joy and celebration. And while the many duties, events, and preparations surrounding such an announcement might seem self-evident (packing up, touring a new diocese, making plans, visiting Rome for special studies, etc.) one surprising aspect of the process stands out for its seemingly anachronistic presence: the creation of a personal coat of arms.

Although medieval requirements and customs have changed and bishops no longer need a colourful standard to be identified while marching off to neighbouring kingdoms, the use of traditional heraldry to indicate position and identity continues to serve modern needs to this very day.  

A bishop has many uses for his unique coat of arms – first and foremost for identification, much like a company uses a logo. This is done through custom letterheads, documents, or any other official publications that will bear the coat of arms, helping to eliminate confusion and ensuring that the words and directives being promoted flow from the individual providing them.

The shield of every bishop is unique, with the symbols chosen specifically to relate to the many influences in his life. These may include references to people, communities, places, and even events that have had an impact on his personal spiritual journey, growth, and new leadership.

In Canada, the creation of a coat of arms is an official, dedicated activity – and one that is open to all Canadians.  

Part of the Canadian Honours System, the Canadian Heraldic Authority is authorized under the monarch (King Charles III), whose authority is exercised by the Governor General of Canada. This authority is responsible for the granting and creation of new coats of arms, flags, and badges for Canadian citizens, government agencies, and bodies (municipal, civic, and even corporate). The authority also registers existing armorial bearings granted by other recognized heraldic authorities and approves military badges, flags, and other insignia of the Canadian Armed Forces.  

The heraldic authority is the Canadian counterpart of the College of Arms in London, the Court of the Lord Lyon in Scotland, the Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland in the Republic of Ireland, and the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry for federal agencies of the United States. Before the authority’s founding in 1988, Canadians wishing to obtain a legally granted coat of arms had to apply to one of the two heraldic offices in the United Kingdom. The process was quite lengthy – and very costly. In addition, the heralds of the College of Arms and the Court of the Lord Lyon would sometimes be unfamiliar with Canadian history and symbols.

As early as 1967, plans were in the works to transfer overview of heraldry from the College of Arms in the UK to Canada. By 1986 the voices calling for a “Made in Canada” heraldry had finally reached a point where a significant number of national and international heraldic experts issued a formal request for an authority to be created. And so in 1988 Queen Elizabeth II allowed for the Governor General to authorize the creation of the Canadian Heraldic Authority, the first Commonwealth realm outside the United Kingdom to have its own.

To receive either a coat of arms (or flag, badges, etc.) a letter must first be addressed to the Chief Herald of Canada. The letter must clearly ask "to receive armorial bearings from the Canadian Crown under the powers exercised by the Governor General" and include proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence, not to mention a detailed biography/resume of the petitioner. The Chief Herald of Canada can then approve or reject the petition. If the petition is approved a warrant is signed and the process officially begins.

The granting of arms is regarded as an honour from the monarch, via the governor general, and thus are bestowed only on those whom the Chief Herald has deemed worthy of receiving a grant of arms. Generally, one must be considered a person of exemplary character and contribute to the positive enhancement of one’s country and fellow citizens. So, whether you are a new bishop getting ready for the next stage of your ministry or just a civic-minded Canadian with an appreciation of tradition, the medieval practice of heraldry remains as accessible – and important – today.

Visit gg.ca/en/heraldry for more details.

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