St Peter (Simon Peter) (Died Approx. 64) was a fisherman probably from Bethsaida, Galilee. He and his brother Andrew were among Jesus’ chosen twelve Apostles, “fishers of men”. He is extensively referred to throughout the New Testament including, two letters written by him.
St Peter accompanied Jesus on many occasions. He would have listened to Him preach and teach as well as witness numerous miracles. Jesus’ final miracle was to heal the ear of a servant which St Peter cut off in the Garden of Gethsemane.
St Peter was appointed the leader of the Apostles, “The Rock”. With St Paul, he is recognised as being central to the spread of Christianity following Jesus’ crucifixion. St Peter, the first Bishop of Rome, was martyred by crucifixion, upside down. He was buried underneath the high altar where the Basilica of St Peter was originally built. Pope Francis revealed small bone relics of St Peter to the public in November 2013.
Today’s Pope occupies the Chair that St Peter first held. He is now the leader of 1.2 billion Catholics worldwide.
The Feast of the Chair of St Peter, The Rock, is 22nd February.
St Peter:
Pray for us that our prayers for the intentions of our Church leader, the Pope, will be unrelenting and heard. We ask this through Jesus our Risen Lord.
Glory be to the…