Sainte-Angèle-de-Mérici

SAINTE-ANGÈLE-DE-MÉRICI

Province : Quebec

Official blazon

Arms : Or three chevronels overlapping in bend sinister Vert, overall a bend wavy Azure.
Crest: Issuant from a circlet of musk mallow flowers an elm tree proper.
Supporters: Two bear cubs proper each vested of a cape, holding a flag Azure and standing on a compartment of elm leaves set with musk mallow flowers proper issuant from a bar wavy Azure.
Motto: RESPECT ET ÉQUITÉ

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on September 20, 2013.

The three peaks represent both the mountains surrounding the municipality of Sainte-Angèle-de-Mérici. The number of peaks refers to the fact that the municipality is formed by two townships (Cabot and Fleuriault) and the seigneury of Lepage and Thivierge. The wavy blue stripe represents the Mitis River, a body of water cherished by the citizens of Sainte-Angèle-de-Mérici. Gold symbolizes the agriculture industry of the municipality.

A majestic tree found within the municipality of Sainte-Angèle-de-Mérici, the elm represents the municipality’s forestry industry. As a symbol of education, because it grows and is renewed each year, the elm also represents the Ursulines, a religious order founded by St. Angela Merici that is primarily dedicated to educating girls. The municipality was named in honour of the saint. The musk mallow is the municipality’s floral emblem.

The bear cubs represent St. Ursula, whose name means “small female bear” in Latin. They pay tribute to the Ursulines, founded by St. Angela Merici. The bear also symbolizes bravery, thus signifying St. Angela Merici’s martyrdom. The cloak is one of her traditional attributes. The flags (drapeau in French) honour Angèle Drapeau (1799-1876), the youngest daughter of Seigneur Joseph Drapeau and benefactor of the municipality. The elm leaves and musk mallows repeat the symbolism from the crest, while the wavy blue stripe is taken from the arms.

The motto means “Respect and equity”.

Literature : Image from http://www.gg.ca