François Thibodeau

FRANÇOIS THIBODEAU

Born : July 27, 1939
Deceased :

Bishop of Edmundston, 1993-2009

Official blazon

Origin/meaning

The star recalls the Virgin Mary to which the diocese of Edmundston is dedicated. The creation, given by God the Father, is evoked by the symbol of mountains emphasizing the duration of divine love. Valleys of St. John and Chaudiere, Appalachian Mountains and Madawaska Mountains are recalled here.

God the Son has manifested his love to all humanity: Jesus gave his life for us. Through the colors of the Eudists of the North American province, we find the symbol of the cross, the foundation of the work of evangelization and the training of good workmen.

The waters are reminiscent of the baptism that makes us beloved children of God, members of the People of God, members of the Body of Christ, temples of the Holy Spirit. These waters will recall that Bishop Thibodeau was ordained bishop on the feast of the baptism of Christ and that baptism is the major theme of the great parish missions. The waters of the Saint-Jean River and those of La Chaudiere are sources of life. The figure of the boat, found in the coat of arms of New Brunswick, evokes here the Church animated and conducted by the scuffle of the Spirit. People gather in the unity of the Father, the son and the Holy Spirit, we move together towards the open sea, without fear and with audacity.

The motto means "His love extends from age to age," is drawn from the fourth verse of the Magnificat of the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:50), this prayer is a canticle of the Heart of the Mother of Beautiful Love, as Saint John liked to say.