The ceiling of All Souls Chapel, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. This chapel is built over the tombs of the Archbishops of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis.
The galeri, or red hats of Cardinals, are suspended from the ceiling until they dissolve into dust. The earthly power of the Princes of the Church soon becomes nothing.
The patterns shown on this ceiling are four-fold in symmetry. The number four is an ancient symbol of things earthly. At the top of the photo can be seen winged hourglasses: time flies! But at the bottom, which is above the altar, we are reminded of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Our Savior.
Upon the ceiling is written:
Requiescant in pace
— May they rest in peace
Lux perpetua luceat eis
— Let perpetual light shine upon them
Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine
— Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord
Signum futurae gloriae
— Sign of future glory
We have a special privilege to pray for those who have died. From the Enchiridion of Indulgences:
Upon the ceiling is written:
Requiescant in pace
— May they rest in peace
Lux perpetua luceat eis
— Let perpetual light shine upon them
Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine
— Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord
Signum futurae gloriae
— Sign of future glory
We have a special privilege to pray for those who have died. From the Enchiridion of Indulgences:
An indulgence, applicable only to the Souls in Purgatory, is granted to the faithful, who devoutly visit a cemetery and pray, even if only mentally, for the departed.
The indulgence is plenary each day from the 1st to the 8th of November; on other days of the year it is partial.
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