Feast of the Dedication of St. John Lateran
When I made a pilgrimage to Rome almost six years ago, I had the wonderful opportunity of attending Mass at this beautiful basilica and also in renewing my Baptismal vows here.
Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. The Basilica of St. John Lateran is the cathedral of Rome. This is not St. Peter's, but it is the Pope's cathedral. Also called the Church of Holy Savior or the Church of St. John Baptist, it was the baptism church of ancient Rome. It was built in the time of Constantine and was consecrated by Pope Sylvester in 324. This feast was first observed in Rome, but later in honor of the basilica, which is known as "the mother and mistress of all churches of Rome and the world" (omnium urbis et orbis ecclesiarum mater et caput), the celebration was extended to the universal Latin Church. This action was taken as a sign of love for and union with the Chair of Peter.
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Thanks for this reflection and the video that explains what makes a church a cathedral. My mom is going to Rome on a pilgrimage next week and any mention of the holy city makes her eyes twinkle, so I'll be sure and share this with her. God bless!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Trisha! I am praying that her trip is filled with blessings.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
God bless you!