The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul is a liturgical feast in honour of the martyrdom in Rome of the apostles Saints Peter and Paul, which is observed on the 29^th June.

Peter and Paul are two ‘pillars’ of the church. Peter the great shepherd of Christ’s flock, and Paul the zealous missionary who spread the good news and founded ecclesial communities in al parts of the world.  (Taken from Liturgy Brisbane)

Peter, who was named Simon, was a fisherman of Galilee and was introduced to Jesus by his brother Andrew, also a fisherman. Jesus gave him the name Cephas (Petrus in Latin) which means ‘Rock’, because he was to become the rock upon which Christ would build His Church.

The Acts of the Apostles illustrates Peter’s role as head of the Church after the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus. Peter led the Apostles as the first Pope and ensured the disciples kept the faith.

St Paul was the Apostles of the Gentiles. His letters are included in the writings of the New Testament, and through them we learn much about his life and the faith of the early Church.

Before receiving the name Paul, he was Saul, a Jewish Pharisee who persecuted Christians. We learn of Saul’s conversion on his way to Damascus, where he was blinded by a great light and fell from his horse. After hearing Jesus speak to him, Saul continued to Damascus, where he was baptized and his sight was restored. He took the name Paul and spent the remainder of his life preaching the Gospel tirelessly to the Gentiles of the Mediterranean world. (Adapted from Catholic News Agency)

Prayer:

God our Father

You give us the joy of celebrating the feast of the apostles Peter and Paul.

Through them your Church first received the faith.

Keep us true to their teaching and enable us to continue to spread the Good News.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.

Amen