Coat of Arms

Underlying the crest are two symbols for the Word of God and the Eucharist. These are foundational sacraments that form the grounding of Archbishop Susai Jesu in the faith he received from his family, especially his mother who always prayed he would be a priest. The waves represent the many lakes and rivers within the archdiocese covering the northern half of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, as well as the life and livelihood of the Indigenous peoples, and above all, the new life of baptism.

The symbol above these two on the left is the logo for the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, whose motto at the bottom, Evangelizare Pauperibus Misit Me (He sent me to evangelize the poor), was chosen by Archbishop Jesu to be his motto as well, given his passion for evangelization and bringing people to Jesus.

The symbol of the teepee, dwelling place for the Indigenous, relates to the Incarnation of Jesus (the Word became flesh and dwelt among us – John 1:14). It also symbolizes his love for and ministry to the Indigenous peoples, both in the archdiocese for eight years, and the Archdiocese of Edmonton for over eight years. As the Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas is 85% Indigenous, he is looking forward to learning some Dené as well as Cree and continuing the ministry of reconciliation. The traditional hat and tassels, as well as the double armed cross, represents his role as an archbishop in the Church.

The colors in the crest are the colors of the traditional Medicine Wheel of Indigenous spirituality, representing the physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual aspects of our humanity that we are called by God to live in a balanced lifestyle of faith, hope and love.

At the center is an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus with a flame on top, representing both the unconditional, limitless mercy of God’s love in Christ as well as the shekinah or glory of God that was poured out on Mary and the first disciples huddled in the Upper Room, birthing the Church. Jesus and Mary, as Mother of God, are the only ones who have perfectly lived the balanced life of the Medicine Wheel.

Seen within the clockwise movement of the Medicine Wheel, these symbols also exemplify the life and mission of Archbishop Jesu. The Word of God led him to the Eucharist, then to join the Oblates, and finally to ministry among Tribals in India and to the Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Western Canada.