This week's feasts
The Dedication of St. John Lateran Basilica
Monday, Nov. 9, is the Feast of the Dedication of St. John Lateran Basilica. St. John Lateran is one of the four major basilicas in Rome. The other three are St. Mary Major, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and the most famous, St. Peter’s Basilica. Each has its own feast.
St. John Lateran is named after St. John the Baptist and St. John, the Beloved Disciple. It is known as the Mother Church of the entire Catholic Church. For centuries it was the church where the pope lived and where the official offices of the Church were. The pope did not yet live at the Vatican at St. Peter’s. St. John Lateran is still considered the pope’s official church in Rome.
St. John Lateran Basilica is still the official Mother Church for the entire world. As we celebrate this feast, it is the entire Church and the papacy that is being honored.
St. John Lateran is named after St. John the Baptist and St. John, the Beloved Disciple. It is known as the Mother Church of the entire Catholic Church. For centuries it was the church where the pope lived and where the official offices of the Church were. The pope did not yet live at the Vatican at St. Peter’s. St. John Lateran is still considered the pope’s official church in Rome.
St. John Lateran Basilica is still the official Mother Church for the entire world. As we celebrate this feast, it is the entire Church and the papacy that is being honored.