Wisdom Wednesday +

 


Today we celebrate The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. Did you know that St. Peter's at the Vatican is not our pope's main church? Many people believe it is, but in actuality, his main church is the Basilica of St. John Lateran. This is where Pope Francis (& former pope's) presides over the Diocese of Rome. 

There are four major basilicas in Rome with St. John Lateran being the oldest & highest ranking. It was first built in the 4th century on land donated by Emperor Constantine. It was consecrated by Pope Sylvester in 324. Over the centuries, the structure suffered much (earthquakes, fire, war, invasion), yet it has remained a place of consecration for the popes. 

In the 14th century, thanks to the efforts of St. Catherine of Siena, the papacy returned to Rome. The church was found in ruins. The current structure was comissioned in 1646 by Pope Innocent X. 

Highlights of the Basilica include 15 statues representing Christ, St. John the Baptist, St. John the Evangelist, & twelve doctors of the Church. Tradition holds that the small wooden table beneath the high altar is believed to be where St. Peter celebrated Mass.

"Every place set aside for divine worship is a sign of that spiritual temple, which is the Church." (St. John Paul II)

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