TODAY'S SAINT (Dedication of Peter and Paul Basilica)

THE DEDICATION OF PETER AND PAUL BASILICA

Apostles

Among the sacred places venerated by Christians from ancient times, one of the most celebrated has always been the tomb of St. Peter, at Rome. The Empperor Constantine erected a splendid basilica over this tomb and another basilica on the Ostian Way at the place where St. Paul suffered martyrdom. Both were consecrated by St. Sylvester.

When the basilica of St. Peter was destroyed, it was rebuilt in a more imposing style and newly consecrated in 1626. The basillica of St. Paul, also destroyed by fire, was in turn rebuilt and newly consecrated by Pius IX in 1854, before an assemblage of Cardinals and Bishops who were in Rome to attend the ceremonies connected with the promulgation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. The anniversaries of both dedicattions are united and form the object of today's feast.

PRAYER

God, give apostolic protection to Your Chhurch, so that as she

received the first revelation about You from the Apostles she

may also receive through them an increase of heavenly grace

until the end of time. Amen.

Feast: November 19