The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul
The Catholic Church celebrates The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29th. This date on the Liturgical Calendar of the universal Church commemorates the martyrdom in Rome of the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul, two profoundly influential figures who helped to shape the early Church. Saint Peter, symbolized by the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, is recognized as the first Bishop of Rome and the rock upon which Christ built his Church, while Saint Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, is famed for his epistles that make up a substantial portion of the New Testament. In this episode, we give a background reflection on this Solemnity.
Notes
- The solemnity commemorates the martyrdom of the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Rome.
- Saint Peter is recognized as the first Bishop of Rome and the figure upon whom Christ built his Church.
- Saint Paul, known as the Apostle to the Gentiles, contributed significantly to the New Testament with his epistles.
- he solemnity emphasizes the unity of the apostles' mission and martyrdom.
- Because of the importance of Sts Peter and Paul to the Catholic Church, many Catholic-majority countries observe their feast day as a public holiday.