Eric Francis MacKenzie

ERIC FRANCIS MACKENZIE

Born : December 6, 1893
Deceased : August 20, 1969

Auxiliary Bishop of Boston, 1950-1969; Titular Bishop of Alba

Official blazon

Azure, a stag's head caboshed or, on a chief of the same between two annulets sable a pale gules, thereon an open book argent, garnished of the second and charged with a crown proper.

Motto: Pax diligentibus Legem

Origin/meaning

The golden stag's head on a blue field is the charge or mark by which most of the MacKenzie families of Scotland identify themselves. The ancient shield of the Hogans, the family of the Bishop's mother, bears three annulets on a golden chief. Two of these rings have been retained to honor the Bishop's mother.

The book on the red pale and the crown placed upon it, symbolize King Eric, martyr and saint. The crown on the open book refers to the Saint as "Lawgiver and King," while the red background recalls his martyrdom.

The motto of Bishop MacKenzie is taken from Psalm 118 and refers to the Bishop's judicial position as Officialis of the Archdiocese of Boston.