António dos Santos
The solemnity of St Peter and St Paul is one of the oldest in the Church. As early as the fourth century, there was a tradition of celebrating three Masses on this day: the first in St Peter’s Basilica, in the Vatican; the second in the basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls and the third in the catacombs of St Sebastian, where the relics of the apostles were hidden to be protected from desecration in times of persecution.
After the Blessed Virgin and St John the Baptist, St Peter and St Paul are the saints with the most commemorative dates in the liturgical year.
About the martyrdom of the two apostles, it was thought that it had occurred on the same day and year. However, the martyrdom of both must have occurred on different occasions, with no record of dates. It is known that St Peter was crucified upside down on the Vatican Hill, and that St Paul was beheaded in the so-called Three Fountains. Despite the uncertainties, it is estimated that Peter’s death occurred in 64 AD, the year in which thousands of Christians were sacrificed after the fire in Rome; Paul’s death would have occurred in the year 67 AD. Most likely, the martyrdom of the Holy Apostles took place in Rome, during the persecution of Nero. Peter and Paul did not found the city, but are considered the “Fathers of Rome”; not having been the first to preach in the capital of the empire, with their blood they “founded” Christian Rome. Both are considered the pillars that support the Church, both for their faith and preaching and for their missionary ardour and zeal – glorified with the crown of martyrdom at the end of their missions, giving their lives in witness and love for Christ.
Peter is the apostle that the Lord chose, infusing him with the grace and dignity to be the first Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. To him Jesus said: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:18). St Peter is the shepherd of the holy flock; it is in his person and in his successors that we have the visible sign of unity and communion in faith and charity. Paul, who was caught up to the apostolic college of Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, as the chosen instrument to bring His name before the peoples, is the greatest missionary of all time, the advocate of the heathen, the “Apostle of the Gentiles.” St Peter and St Paul, anointed by the Holy Spirit, carried the Gospel (good news) to men, from land to land – sowing with love, tears and suffering; today the Word echoes in the world.
Benedict XVI, in his homily on the Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul, on June 29, 2005 said: “The Feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul is at the same time a grateful memorial of the great witnesses of Jesus Christ and a solemn confession for the Church: one, holy, catholic and apostolic.”
Peter who denied the Lord three times, the resurrected Christ asked him three times to tell Him that he loved Him and healed his heart. He made Paul fall from the “horse of error” and called him to be His discipline – transformed by grace, St Paul gave and left a remarkable witness.
God does not choose perfect men, but perfects those who listen to Him, give themselves to Him and trust in Him. St John Paul II once said: “A saint is a sinner who never gives up!”
St Peter and St Paul, pray for us.
(Image: Saints Peter and Paul, Carlo Crivelli, The National Gallery).
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