The Stellar Vaulted Ceiling: A Representation of the Heavens with a Message

Soaring 54 feet above the floor is St. Dunstan’s stellar vault ceiling.  A stellar vault is a type of ceiling in Gothic architecture that is created by connecting ribs in star pattern to represent the heavens.  Here, it is embellished by large and small ceiling bosses.  Ceiling bosses are found at the connections of the ribs and have intricately carved decorative features. 

As St. Dunstan’s was constructed during World War I, the builder fashioned the small ceiling bosses with the symbols of the five allied countries with populations prominent in Canada.  These symbols are: the shamrock of Ireland, the rose of England, the thistle of Scotland, the fleur de lis for France and the cross for Italy.

The large ceiling bosses give a message regarding the church in Prince Edward Island, starting from the back to the front.

The first boss is a sailing ship on rough seas.  It is representative of the “barque of St. Peter” which is a name for the Church, sailing through history, sustained with Christ at the helm.  This ceiling boss is situated over the nave of the church (Navus meaning ship) where the faithful sit as in the nave of the boat.

The second ceiling boss is a Celtic cross representing the virtue of faith in Christ Jesus.  The circle of the cross represents the eternity of God. 

The third boss is a chalice with a communion host chained to an anchor symbolizing the hope that is anchored in the eucharistic Lord, the source and summit of the Christian life.

The fourth ceiling boss is a heart encircled with a crown of thorns and flames.  This is a symbol the love of Jesus.  In the 1600’s Jesus revealed his heart in this fashion to a mystic indicating that his heart was burning with love for each one of us.

The fifth boss is a large oak tree and three smaller oak trees which is representative of Prince Edward Island. This is on the province’s flag and coat of arms.

The sixth and largest ceiling boss is of St. Dunstan encircled with the words:  St. Dunstan’s Cathedral Re-constructed 1918.  

The message of the Basilica ceiling reads from back to front:  The Church, spreading faith, hope, and love, in Prince Edward Island under the patronage of St. Dunstan.

Please move to the front of the center aisle 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?
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  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
  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 Welcome
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