The term “nave” also has a symbolic meaning: it refers to St. Peter’s ship/boat (nave in Italian) that welcomes and guides the “people of God”, which is why it is covered by a roof that is sometimes keeled. Like an upside-down boat hull. The reference to Peter’s boat occurs twice in Matthew’s Gospel.
Matthew 8:23-34: “23 Having then got into a boat, his disciples followed him. 24 And behold, a storm arose in the sea so violent that the boat was covered with waves; and he slept. 25 Then they drew near to him and woke him up, saying: “Save us, Lord, we are lost!” 26 And he said to them: “Why do you fear, ye men of little faith?” So he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 Those present were taken aback and said: “Who is this man whom the winds and the sea obey?”” and again Matthew 14:22-34: “22 Immediately afterwards he ordered the disciples to get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 He dismissed the crowd and went up the mountain alone to pray. When evening came, he was still alone up there.
24 Meanwhile, the boat was already some distance from land, battered by the waves, because the wind was against them. 25 A little while before morning, he came walking on the water toward them. 26 The disciples, seeing him walking on the sea, were troubled and said: “It’s a ghost,” and they screamed in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them: “Come on, it’s me, don’t be afraid.” 28 Peter said to him: “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you over the waters.” 29 And he said: “Come!” Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and went to Jesus. 30 But because of the violence of the wind, he became afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out: “Lord, save me!” 31 And immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and grasped him and said to him: “Man of little faith, why did you doubt?”
32 As soon as they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Those who were in the boat worshipped him, saying: “You are truly the Son of God!”
34 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret.”
