About Duchesne...

> CREST

The explanation of the chosen elements in the crest is contained in the English book of armorial families by Fox Davies. Our crest is correctly described in heraldic terminology as follows:

"Azure, a saltire or, charged with an open book proper, between three mullets in chief and flanks and a sprig of oak slipped and fructed in base or."

'Saltire' – one of the "honorable ordinaries", called by Scottish Heralds the St Andrew's Cross

'Mullet' – a five pointed star, from the French word "molette", the rowel of a spur

'Slipped' – torn from the stock or branch

College Colours: Blue ('azure', cobalt blue) and gold ('or')

The application of the symbolism is contained in some typed notes from the file:

The Oak Spray: represents "Duchesne", literally translated from the French as "of the oak".

The Stars: the three five-pointed stars were chosen for two reasons:

(1) the resurrection of Duchesne was decided on during the Octave of the Epiphany;

(2) stars represent "light", and the name "Lucia", where the University is to be, is derived from "Lux, lucis, light". Three stars represent the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary (asked for by Our Lady at Fatima).

The Book: represents learning

Motto: "Robur in luce veritatis"

'Robur' - means oak, or strength
'in luce veritatis' – in the light of truth

In Queensland's Centenary Year (1959) an eminent visitor to the College, Cardinal Agagianian, showed his appreciation of the significance of our crest, which he had paused to inspect, by writing in the Visitor's Book:

"Vivat, Crescat, Floreat!"