Saints Peter & Paul, Apostles

Dear friends in Christ

We celebrate Saints Peter and Paul this weekend. Each in their own way represent the two complementary dimensions of the Church: Peter, the institutional Church founded on his profession of faith and Paul, the missionary impetus in taking the Gospel to all peoples and nations. This feast is probably the best feast for us to give thanks for our Catholic Faith which we profess each week at Mass as: One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic. This profession of faith which we make so often, we make thanks to the life, witness and teaching of these two foundation stones of the Church. Each of them came to Rome where they made the ultimate testimony of their faith in Jesus—martyrdom. Peter crucified on the spot now marked by the obelisk in St Peter’s Square, and Paul decapitated in the place outside of Rome called Tre Fontane. Two places in Rome—off the crowded tourist trail—which are worth visiting, are the Marmertine Prison beside the Forum, where Peter was held prisoner and the church of San Paolo alla Regola near the Piazza Farnese where Paul was kept under house arrest before his trial and martyrdom. Whenever we visit Rome we might feel compelled to walk in the steps of these men who inspire to follow Christ more faithfully, whatever the cost to ourselves. 

This feast is also a good Day to thank God for the Pope and Bishops of the Church who are the legitimate successors of the Apostles. It is a Day to thank God for our Holy Father, Pope Leo, and for the renewed joy and clarity that he is bringing to the Church by his life and teaching. We should pray the ancient prayer for him: Oremus pro Pontifice Leone… let us pray for our Holy Father, Pope Leo, the Lord preserve him and give him life and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies. Traditionally on this feast we play the Vatican Anthem (composed by Gounod) at the end of the Solemn Mass and Vespers.

God bless our Pope! God bless all of you

Msgr Kevin Hale