Reflection

"Challenging... Inspiring...Faith Building!"

Saints Mary and Joseph Cathedral Parish

Weekend Mass Times:

Saturday Vigil - 6pm

Sunday - 8am, 10 am and 5.30 pm

Please follow the social distancing directions at the Cathedral.

REFLECTION

DEDICATION OF THE CHURCHES OF SAINT PETER AND PAUL ROME

St Peter's began as a simple cemetery where believers gathered to pray at Saint Peter's tomb. A small, humble building was added to numerous times until it became a hazard and Pope Julius II, in 1506, who ordered it to be demolished and reconstructed.

St Paul's Outside-the-Walls , near the Abaazia delle Tre Fontane, is where we believe Saint Paul was beheaded. St Paul's was the largest church in St Peter's. The basilica also rises over the traditional site of its namesake's grave.

St Peter and St Paul and a interesting pairing. Peter was the fisherman that Jesus named the rock on which the Church is built. Paul, educated, was a reformed persecutor of Christians, Roman Citizens, as well as a missionary to the gentiles. The one similarity is their deaths as martyr's in Rome - Peter o the cross and Paul beneath the sword.

The dedication to these building has taken place since the twelfth century. Although we are members of our local church, together we are all members of the Church in Rome, the symbol of the universal church. The feast day is to remind us of the universal nature of our Church, it's origins and missionary calling.

PRAYER

Oh, Lord our God,

Saints Peter and Paul steered the early Church by Your Power

and were leaders who modelled and strengthened the faith of the Church.

Therefore I ask Saints Peter and Paul to pray for my faith to grow stronger and stronger every day.

Dear Lord, Enkindle Your fire that flickers inside me

and let it become a big flame that brightens other people’s lives.

Saints Peter and Paul, pray for me.

Amen.