After more than two months of design, the NCSS is delighted to unveil its new coat of arms in 2024. Inspired by its 2013 predecessor, the updated design retains key elements while enhancing its visual appeal.
- The coat of arms draws inspiration from St. John Henry Newman’s own coat of arms by including his personal motto: “Cor ad cor loquitur” (Heart speaks to heart), and a heart in the lower right quadrant, symbolizing the importance of love and friendship among students. The overall color scheme of the logo echoes Cardinal Newman and McGill University’s coat of arms: white (argent), red (gules) and yellow (or).
- As the NCSS is a part of the Students’ Society of McGill University, the logo encompasses various aspects of McGill student life. The shape of the crest resembles that of McGill University. The lower left and upper right quadrants feature elements from McGill University’s coat of arms, including an open book inscribed with “In Domino confido” (I trust in the Lord) and the McGill martlet, which symbolizes the long-lasting pursuit of academic and spiritual growth as university students.
- The coat of arms naturally emphasizes the Society’s Catholic identity. A ‘chi-rho’, a common symbol for Christ, can be seen in the top left quadrant. This symbol consists of the first two letters in the Greek word for Christ, “Χριστός”. In the middle of the crest is a golden cross fleury with fleur-de-lys at its four ends, denoting the Catholic heritage of Quebec.
- Completing the design, a circular banner surrounds the crest, with the Society’s name and founding year.