Dedication of the Lateran Basilica - November 9, 2003
Dedication of the Lateran
Basilica - November 9, 2003
A little history on the Dedication of St. John Lateran - which we
celebrate today
Most
Catholics think of St. Peter's as the pope's church, but surprisingly
they are wrong. St. John Lateran is the pope's church, the cathedral of
the diocese of Rome where the Bishop of Rome presides.
The first
basilica on the site was built in the fourth century when Constantine
donated land he had received from the wealthy Lateran family. That
structure and its successors suffered fire, earthquakes and ravages of
war, but the Lateran remained the church where popes were consecrated
until the popes returned from Avignon in the 15th century to
find the church and the adjoining palace in ruins.
Pope
Innocent X commissioned the present structure in 1646. One of Rome's
most imposing churches, the Lateran's towering facade is crowned with 15
colossal statues, including those of Christ, John the Baptist, John the
Evangelist and 12 doctors for the Church. Beneath its high altar rests
the remains of the small wooden table on which tradition holds St. Peter
himself celebrated Mass.
St.
Augustine said, "What was done here, as these walls were rising, is
reproduced when we bring together those who believe in Christ. For, by
believing they are hewn out, as it were, from mountains and forests,
like stones and timber; but by catechizing, baptism and instruction,
they are, as it were, shaped, squared and planed by the hands of the
workers and artisans. Nevertheless, they do not make a house for the
Lord until they are fitted together through love."
Let us
pray that what St. Augustine said of St. John Lateran Cathedral can also
be said of Good Shepherd: that what we do here is fitted together
through love. What a tribute that would be to The good Shepherd. May
everything we do be cemented together with the Love of Christ.
Peace to you all,
Fr. Chuck
