Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
Today is the anniversary of the dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. Contrary to popular belief, St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome is not the cathedral of Rome. Rather, the Lateran Basilica of St. John is the cathedral of Rome and, therefore, the cathedral of the whole Catholic Church. That is why the whole Church celebrates this day as a Feast, for although we recognize that the Holy Spirit moves freely throughout the world and the faithful, and that no single building can contain the glory of God, it is still fitting to celebrate the dedication of a building in which the faithful come together as one Body in Christ to participate in the life of the Church, most especially in the Eucharist.
Our church buildings are holy places, most especially because of the holy activities that the Church community performs in them. Beautiful architecture and artwork help us to recognize that holiness, but it is the Sacraments that take place there that change the character of our churches as they bring about our communion with God and with one another. Knowing this, we celebrate the dedication anniversaries of our parishes, which are the local spaces in which the community gathers to worship, and of the cathedrals of our dioceses, in which our bishops preside as our leaders under whom we are united. Likewise, we celebrate the dedication of the cathedral of Rome, as we all find communion with our Lord and with one another through the Church He established under the leadership of St. Peter and his successors.
Reflection by Fr. Victor Schinstock, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections