Basilica Crest

  Basilica Crest Symbolism

1. At the top of the Crest is the Tintinnabulum (Bell) and Ombrellino (Umbrella) which are symbols of a Basilica
2. Three Fleur-de-Lis indicate the three French bishops who headed the Natchitoches Diocese for which the church was built as its Cathedral
3. The Crossed Keys are the symbol of the Holy Father
4. The "T" is a Tau Cross associated with the Franciscans who staffed the parish for many years
5. The Crescent Moon is a symbol of the Immaculate Conception
6. The cotton bolls represent the dominant crop which provided most of the agricultural based income to build the church
7. Red waves are a symbol of Red River which once passed trough downtown very near the church