THE FEAST OF STS. PETER AND PAUL June 29, 2025

We celebrate today a particular feast of the Roman Church. Peter, chosen by Christ to be the First among the Apostles; and Paul, chosen by Christ ‘as one born out of due time’, because he encountered Our Lord only after His Ascension, on the road to Damascus. Both Apostles were martyred in Rome during the persecution of the Emperor Nero in 67 AD. Peter exercised his authority as shepherd of Christ’s flock (see St. John’s Gospel ch. 21), and Paul exercised his authority as teacher and expounder of the mysteries of our faith (see Acts of the Apostles ch. 28).

     Their tombs, carefully guarded by the Roman Christians during the three long centuries of persecutions, were finally honoured by magnificent churches built in their honour by the first Christian Emperor, Constantine the Great. This feast, in which these Apostles are venerated together, is the celebration of the victory of Christian Rome over the darkness of paganism which had for so long oppressed the early Church.

     Since both Apostles were put to death in Rome at the same time, the Church emerging from the persecutions celebrated them on the same day at the Basilicas built over their tombs. Nevertheless, it is clear from the Liturgy of the day that Peter has the more prominent place, as befits the ‘Prince of the Apostles’.  

     We remember that both men were originally known by other names: Peter was Simon, and Paul was Saul. Simon was given his new name, meaning ‘rock’ by Our Lord, as we hear in the gospel of this Mass; while Saul’s name was changed at the time of his baptism, to show his new identity in Christ. Peter’s ministry was largely directed towards the Jewish converts to faith in Christ. However, since Paul is a Roman name, rather than a Jewish one, it indicates that his new role was especially to be the Teacher of the Gentile converts.     

I would like to thank all for your many gifts, cards and words of encouragement on the occasion of my 25th anniversary of ordination as a priest. God bless you all    

~ Fr. Paul Dobson.