What is a Cathedral and What is a Basilica?

St. Dunstan’s is both a Cathedral and a Basilica. 

In the Catholic tradition, a cathedral is the church where the seat of the diocesan bishop is located.  A diocese is a geographical district under the pastoral care of a leader called a Bishop.  The word "cathedral" comes from the Latin word “cathedra”, which means "chair" or "throne".   You will see the Bishop of Charlottetown’s chair in the sanctuary of the church. 

In 1929, on the centenary of the designation as a cathedral, St. Dunstan’s was given the title of “Basilica” by the Pope, who is the head of the Roman Catholic Church.  The term basilica is Latin for “Kingly” or “Royal House”.  This designation is the title of honor given to a church with historical significance, special privileges and a place of pilgrimage. The title was also bestowed to honor the people of the diocese for their dedication and sacrifice to build such a magnificent church. 

Please move a quarter of the way up the center aisle of the Basilica for the next stop.

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Welcome to St. Dunstan’s Cathedral Basilica!
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  1. Welcome to St. Dunstan’s Cathedral Basilica
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  2. Steeples, Pinnacles and Arches - A Gaze Toward Heaven
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  3. The Holy Trinity Doors and the Four Gospel Writers are Inviting You to Enter
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  4. Entering the Gates of the Heavenly City
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  5. What is a Cathedral and What is a Basilica?
  6. Beginnings of the Catholic Church on Prince Edward Island and a Brief History of St. Dunstan’s Cathedral Basilica
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  7. The Cathedral is in the form of a Latin Cross
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  8. The Stellar Vaulted Ceiling: A Representation of the Heavens with a Message
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  9. Who Was St Dunstan, the Cathedral’s Patron?
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  10. A Multitude of the Heavenly Host - Over 300 Angels
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  11. St. Dunstan’s 12 Consecration Crosses and 12 Pillars
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  12. The Sanctuary
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  13. A Multitude of Angels and Saints Praising God
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  14. The Stained-Glass Rose Window
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  15. Sanctuary Murals with Eucharistic Themes
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  16. Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
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  17. The Basilica’s Most Cherished Relics: Bishop MacEachern’s Boat, Mass Kit and Snowshoes
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  18. St. Anne’s Shrine
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  19. Our Lady of Victories Marion Shrine
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  20. St. Joseph's Shrine
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  21. Statuary of St. Dunstan’s Basilica: “May God be praised in this Angels and in His Saints!”
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  22. Stained Glass Windows of the Basilica
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  23. The Cathedral Bells
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  24. Casavant Pipe Organ
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  25. Stations of the Cross Along the Side and Entrance Walls of the Nave
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  26. The Marble of the Basilica
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  27. Thank You and Donations Appreciated
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