November 9 Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
What this is:
We often have celebrations remembering the dedication or completion of buildings. I think of the Statue of Liberty anniversary celebrations, and I remember being at Disney World on one of it's anniversary celebrations. So it's not too unusual to remember a dedication of a very important church, the Lateran Basilica in Rome.
In 313, the Emperor Constantine declared in the Edict of Milan--making Christianity the religion of the state. Constantine donated the palace of the Lateran to the Church to be it's first basilica. It is the church of the Pope, not St. Peters, like we usually think. And since it is the Pope's church, it logically follows that it is the head of all churches.
What to do:
Take this virtual tour of this Basilica and you will see what a glorious building it is! It is worth your time!
http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_giovanni/vr_tour/index-en.html
What to pray:
O God, who from living and chosen stones prepare an eternal dwelling for your majesty, increase in your Church the spirit of grace you have bestowed, so that by new growth your faithful people may build up the heavenly Jerusalem. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
We often have celebrations remembering the dedication or completion of buildings. I think of the Statue of Liberty anniversary celebrations, and I remember being at Disney World on one of it's anniversary celebrations. So it's not too unusual to remember a dedication of a very important church, the Lateran Basilica in Rome.
In 313, the Emperor Constantine declared in the Edict of Milan--making Christianity the religion of the state. Constantine donated the palace of the Lateran to the Church to be it's first basilica. It is the church of the Pope, not St. Peters, like we usually think. And since it is the Pope's church, it logically follows that it is the head of all churches.
What to do:
Take this virtual tour of this Basilica and you will see what a glorious building it is! It is worth your time!
http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_giovanni/vr_tour/index-en.html
What to pray:
O God, who from living and chosen stones prepare an eternal dwelling for your majesty, increase in your Church the spirit of grace you have bestowed, so that by new growth your faithful people may build up the heavenly Jerusalem. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
