February 22: The Feast of the Chair of Peter, Apostle

Today’s Church Feast is not the celebration of a piece of furniture! It is the celebration of the “place or position of St. Peter” as a symbol of the unity of the Church. Think of “the chairman of the board” or “the chair of a committee,” these also recognize a place or position of authority.

The principal diocese of the Catholic Church is Rome and the Pope is its bishop. His cathedral is not, as many may be inclined to think, St. Peter’s Basilica, but the Church of St. John Lateran. The Bishop of Rome is not ranked above other bishops, but is rather primus inter pares, first among equals. The special place of the Rome diocese is because of its links with St. Peter, on whom Jesus said He would build His Church. Hence, the unity of the Church is expressed by the solidarity of each diocese with the diocese of Rome and with each other. This is part of the reason we are known as Roman Catholics!

Let us pray. “Lord, grant that nothing may disturb us, for you have set us fast on the rock of the Apostle Peter’s profession of faith. In your Name we pray. Amen.”

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