The Basilica’s Most Cherished Relics: Bishop MacEachern’s Boat, Mass Kit and Snowshoes

This boat, enshrined in glass, was built in 1812 and used by Prince Edward Island’s first Bishop Angus MacEachern as he traversed the Island’s vast landscape.  Arriving to PEI as a young priest in 1790, Fr. MacEachern would make considerable use of this boat as he visited the Island’s Catholic population from Tignish to East Point.  Travelling primarily by horseback, he was afraid of falling through the ice and losing his mass kit and vestments.  In the winter, Bishop MacEachern placed runners on the boat to serve as a sled, pulled by his horse.  In the summer, he placed wheels on the boat so it could serve as either a small boat or a cart.  It was Bishop MacEachern that bought the land where the Cathedral now stands.

Please look above the boat for the next station.

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