FEAST OF STS. PETER AND PAUL

June 29, 2024: Some Traditional Trivia... interesting to know

#1. Originally this feast was called the Martyrdom of Apostles Peter and Paul - the date corresponding to either the date of one of the apostles or to the date when the relics of the apostles where translocated to the place where they are at present.

#2. Peter was crucified, crucified upside down on his request, because he thought he was not worthy enough to die in the same way as his Master and Lord Jesus did. 

#3. Paul was beheaded. There is a Church that stands today built on the spot where Paul was believed to have been beheaded, in the immediate outskirts of Rome, traditionally known as "outside the walls of ancient Rome". 

#4. There are just three Basilicas in the world, built on the tomb of the Apostles...

       i. St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican
       ii. St. James's Basilica, Campostella, Spain
       iii. St. Thomas' Basilica, Mylapore, Chennai, India

#5. Peter's Square at the Vatican, leading to St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, has the statues of Peter and Paul adorning the square, one at the right and one at the left, as we overlook the Basilica... as traditionally, Peter holds the keys, and Paul holds a sword!

#6. This day, celebrated as Pope's day, is a day to commemorate the governing role that Peter passes on to the Holy Father, and the teaching role that Paul brings to the Holy See, as an apostolic tradition!

LET US THANK GOD FOR, ADMIRE AND IMITATE...
ST. PETER, IN HIS INTUITIVE FAITH AND INTIMATE FRIENDSHIP WITH CHRIST;
ST. PAUL, IN HIS TOTAL DEDICATION TO THE GOSPEL AND SELF-CONSUMING LOVE FOR CHRIST!

Peter to the right of the Square

Paul on the left corner of the square