The nave is the main body of a church. The word nave comes from the Latin word navis which means ship (our English word navy has the same root). The nave sometimes resembles an upside down boat (even in the shape of the ceiling and its rafters). The Church is like a boat that helps bring us to God. Sometimes a nautical motif can be found around the nave (such as at the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul, Minnesota – one segment is pictured below):
St. John Lateran – RomeSt. Mary Major – RomeSt. Paul Outside the Walls – RomeSt. Peter Basilica – RomeMission San DiegoOur Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel – Santa Paula, CASt. Thomas Aquinas – Palo Alto, CASt. Pius X – Granger, INSt. Ignatius – St. Ignace, MIBasilica of St. Mary – MinneapolisIHM Seminary Chapel – Winona, MNSt. Raphael – Old Mill Creek ILGuadalupe Shrine – WisconsinSt. Mary – Port Washington, WISt. Monica – Whitefish Bay, WISt. Jerome – Oconomowoc, WIOur Lady of the Rosary – Lander, WY
I’m fascinated by contrasts and have long enjoyed the concept of smallness, perhaps especially in the context of the wonder that comes from gazing up into the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica or enjoying the vastness of a starry sky.
I’m a Catholic, deacon-candidate-wife, mom/mom-in-law to 7; retired homeschool mom & parish DRE; ADHD, Celiac, HSP; I love learning and writing.
Small Catholic 