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São Bernardo Commune (Portugal)

Freguesia de São Bernardo, Concelho de Aveiro, Distrito de Aveiro

2:3 image by Klaus-Michael Schneider, 3 Dec 2015

About the flag
Presentation of São Bernardo

See also:

About the Flag

It is a typical Portuguese communal flag, with the coat of arms centred on a plain white field.
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 3 Dec 2015

Coat of arms

image located by Klaus-Michael Schneider,

Shield gyronny of 8 of Argent and Gules, in centre, in centre a St. Bernard cross Argent, flanked by a belfry Argent lined Sable at dexter and a palm Proper at sinister. Between belfry and palm tree is an embowed white inscription fimbriated black saying: "ORA ET LABORA" (= pray and work!). Mural crown Argent with three visible towers (village rank) and white scroll with inscription in black initials "FREGUESIA DE S. BERNADO (1st line) AVEIRO (2nd line, smaller)".
Meaning:
The gyronny design is that one of the flag of Aveiro Municipality and is stressing that the commune belongs to that municipality. The cross is alluding to St. Bernard, local patron saint and name giver of the commune, patriarch and founder of the Order of Claraval, to which the central cross is alluding. Belfry and palm tree are representing the principal riches of the locals, the Christian faith and the work in the local plantages. They are connected by the inscription, referring to the Rule of St. Benedict, overtaken by the Order of Claraval.
Source: communal webpage
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 3 Dec 2015

Presentation of São Bernardo

São Bernardo Commune is one of the ten communes of the Aveiro municipality (q.v.); it had 4960 inhabitants in 2011 and covers 3.9 km². São Bernado, former being part of Nossa Senhora da Glória parish in Aveiro, became an independent parish in 1955 and an independent commune in 1969.
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 3 Dec 2015

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