Coat of Arms

Current NCSS Coat of Arms (Logo), Adopted in 2024

After more than two months of design and deliberation, the NCSS is delighted to unveil its new coat of arms in 2024. Inspired by its 2014 predecessor, the updated design retains key elements while enhancing its visual appeal.

  • The logo 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 also naturally 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, symbolizing the pursuit of academic and spiritual growth as university students.
  • The logo 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, displaying the Society’s name and founding year.

NCSS Logo in Use from 2014 to 2024

Pictured to the right is the Newman Catholic Students’ Society’s old logo, adopted during the 2012-2013 academic year. The following is an explanation of the logo’s symbolism:

  • The logo draws inspiration from Cardinal John Henry Newman’s own crest by including his personal motto: “Cor ad cor loqvitur” or, in English, “Heart speaks to heart.”
  • The logo also encompasses various aspects of student life; the lower left quadrant of the shield contains a book, symbolizing knowledge, while the lower right quadrant contains a heart, symbolizing the importance of love and friendship between fellow students. The latter was something the Cardinal placed great emphasis on; hearts can also be seen on his own crest.
  • The logo naturally emphasizes the Society’s Catholic nature. The top right quadrant contains a dove, representing the Holy Spirit. 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”.
  • Finally, the top section of the logo has a triangular pattern reminiscent of the crest of McGill University, highlighting the Society’s links to the McGill campus.