"When speaking of the Celts, one of the most evocative images that springs to mind is the Celtic cross. From Cornwall to the Isle of Man, from Wales to the Hebrides and throughout Ireland, many magnificent examples of free-standing carved Celtic crosses can be found, some of which are at least 1200 years old.

Contemporary carved crosses almost invariably signify a burial place, yet the early free-standing or high crosses were not erected for this purpose. The majority were positioned as meeting places, often within a Celtic monastic settlement, and were carved for the sheer enjoyment of creating beauty, or 'to the glory of God' as well as biblical scenes.

Many have knotwork patterns, spirals, mythical beasts and raised bosses, the latter said by some to symbolize the sun, worshipped by the early Celts. Some of the early free-standing crosses were completely devoid of design, yet the possess a dignity and power, often enhanced by their location and bold outline.                    

What is a high cross?

At its simplest, the high cross is a standing cross with a circle. At its most complex, it involves a stepped base, a shingled roof or an elaborate capstone, carved pictoral scenes, and other ornaments. A ringed cross silhouetted against the sky has come to characterize Ireland, hence the ringed cross is often called an 'Irish cross'. However, the ringed cross motif is shared with other Celtic nations such as Scotland, so the ringed cross may more properly be termed the 'Celtic cross'."

(Source: Encyclopaedia of the Celts)

The Celtic Cross we use on the Bulletin is an example of the ornate style. It has figures representing the saints--and the members of the community to which it was dedicated, showing that the lives of the saints and the common people are entwined and support the holy Cross, the symbol of Christianity.