On November 18th, we celebrate the dedication of the basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul.
Peter and Paul are tremendous saint of our Catholic Church. We know Jesus said, “And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church. The gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). In 324, Emperor Constantine and Pope Sylvester took this to heart. Together, after Constantine ended Christian persecution, they built St. Peter’s basilica over his tomb in Rome. In addition, St. Paul’s grave outside the walls of Rome was also used as the site for building a basilica in his name, in 324.
Why build over their tombs?
Undoubtedly, Emperor Constantine and Pope Sylvester wanted to turn these grave sites into pilgrimage destinations for Christians. Additionally, they wanted to give the congregation a special place to gather and pray. The pope dedicated these basilicas shortly after the now-St John Lateran was named “Holy Savior.” It should be noted that the basilicas of Peter and Paul were the first churches dedicated in the names of lay people. In addition, it was the first occasion the Pope made a special place of devotion in the name of martyrs for the Faith.
Devotions to the saints are essential for building a domestic church.
Why dedicate basilicas over tombs and in the names of martyrs? Particularly, Pope Sylvester did this to encourage devotions to the saints in Heaven. Christ became Man to evangelize to us in our human nature. However, He left a hierarchy on earth to continue growing the Church. Jesus built His Church on Peter, on his life, on his name. We continue that mission every day in our ordinary lives. Paul took up Peter’s work, traveling throughout the region to minister to the Romans he used to persecute Christians with. Furthermore, it is believed the two men were executed the same day. Peter was killed inside Rome where he cared for his flock. Paul was beheaded outside the walls where he traveled.
Each of us is called to follow these two men. We can remain at home, building the domestic church and fighting on the home right with Peter. Or we go far, ministering wherever we are called like Paul. No matter our state in life, we are called to follow these two great martyrs.
