Archdiocese of Toronto

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ARCHDIOCESE OF TORONTO (Archidioecesis Torontina)

Country : Canada
Denomination : Roman Catholic

Established : 1841 as Diocese of Toronto
Elevated 1870 to Archdiocese of Toronto

Official blazon
English	blazon wanted

Origin/meaning

A diocese is the basic grouping of the Church - the people of God - under a bishop. In its very nature, the grouping is of many people, many vocations, many ministries, each with characteristics, and personalities. In this way, the sharp ‘edges’ and awkward ‘shapes’ of each person, institution, and ministry who come together to form a pattern of inter-supporting cooperation. These diamond shapes are the basis of the design. The diamond shapes, like humans, which when fitting in well with each other make up a composite whole.

The colours of red and white represent Canada and may be taken as symbolic of the great effort, the blood and sweat required to bring together and forge the unified effort of this section of the people of God, formed into a diocese.
Across the design is placed the spear and shaft of St. Michael - the popular patron of the diocese. This spear overcomes and controls the dragon’s head, symbolic of the Devil. The shaft has its upper end formed as a cross - the symbol of Christianity and so of man’s redemption - and attached to the cross are three gold maple leaves, symbolic reference to the Province of Ontario.
Between the arms are rays of light, is an additional allusion to St. Michael the Archangel whose light overcomes Lucifer. As these rays are curved - arched - this provides a subtle pun by the heralds on his archangel status. The mitre on top of the shield symbolizes that this shield belongs to a diocese.

The previous arms (used until ??)

The arms shown in the booklet for the inauguration of Bishop O'Connor in 1899:

The arms of the diocese in 1892 as shown in a booklet of the 25th anniversary of Bishop Walsh:

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