TODAY'S SAINT (John Lateran)

DEDICATION OF JOHN LATERAN

This is the oldest and ranks first amonng the four greate or patriarchal churches of Rome. It was originally the palace of Constantine, adapted and dedicated under the title "Our Savior" to serve as the church of the Pope. The present archbasilica was built later, on the site of the original church, and is known as St. John Lateran, having been dedicated to St, John the Baptist.

The other patriarchal basilicas of Rome are St. Peter's, St. Mary's, Major, and St. Paul's, situated outside of the walls of the ancient city. These four basilicas represent the four great patriarchates, or ecclesiastical provinces, of the world. There are a number of churches in Rome and elsewhere which rank in honor as lesser basilicas, but do not possess the special privileges of the greater basilicas.

PRAYER

God, out of living andd chosen stones You prepare an eternal

dwelling for Yourself. Multiply in Your Church the spirit of

grace which You have given her, so that Your people may ever

grow into that building which is the heavenly Jerusalem. Amen.

Feast: November 9