The Coat of Arms of the Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit
The ombrellino, originally used as a canopy carried over the pope, is now given as an honor to those churches with the title basilica. It has broad alternating gold and red stripes, the traditional colors of the Pontificate.
The keys behind the shield are the papal keys and represent the keys given to Peter by Jesus Christ. The gold key signifies that the power reaches to heaven and the silver key that it extends to all the faithful on earth. The keys are bound together with a red cord.
The shield is outlined in green for Sainte Anne and features her teaching her daughter Mary the Word of God. Two silver lilies appear on either side of Sainte Anne, representing her protection of Mary as a child. The blue wavy lines at the center of the shield represent the Detroit River and Ste. Anne Parish’s role in the birth of the City of Detroit. Finally, the fleur-de-lis is an acknowledgement of the French heritage of the parish.
