Nov. 9, 2011 Wednesday: Dedication of St. John Lateran Basilica
Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran
The Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome is the pope’s own church. It is considered the head and mother of all the churches in the world. It is enriched with relics of Christ’s suffering and death and of many martyrs.
Originally, this basilica was the palace of a rich Roman senator named Plautius Lateranus. When he died, the emperor Constantine inherited the house. Constantine built a chapel in its walls, which he had dedicated to St. John the Baptist. There was a second altar dedicated to St. John the Evangelist.
The popes lived at the Lateran Basilica until the time of Pope Gregory XI. When this pope returned from Avignon, he took up residence in St. Peter’s Basilica, or the Vatican, and the popes have resided there ever since.
Today’s feast day reminds us to value the church buildings dedicated to the service and worship of God.
When we see a beautiful church, it should remind us of all the people called together to worship God. We, the People of God, are the living stones of Christ’s Church. It is our lives of holiness and service that make the Church most beautiful.
- Daughters of St. Paul
The Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome is the pope’s own church. It is considered the head and mother of all the churches in the world. It is enriched with relics of Christ’s suffering and death and of many martyrs.
Originally, this basilica was the palace of a rich Roman senator named Plautius Lateranus. When he died, the emperor Constantine inherited the house. Constantine built a chapel in its walls, which he had dedicated to St. John the Baptist. There was a second altar dedicated to St. John the Evangelist.
The popes lived at the Lateran Basilica until the time of Pope Gregory XI. When this pope returned from Avignon, he took up residence in St. Peter’s Basilica, or the Vatican, and the popes have resided there ever since.
Today’s feast day reminds us to value the church buildings dedicated to the service and worship of God.
When we see a beautiful church, it should remind us of all the people called together to worship God. We, the People of God, are the living stones of Christ’s Church. It is our lives of holiness and service that make the Church most beautiful.
- Daughters of St. Paul
