The Church celebrates the feasts of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29th.
Here are 6 things to know and share about these incredible saints!
Let’s talk about Saint Peter first:
1. Saint Peter’s name was originally Simon and he was a fisherman of Galilee.
2. He was one of the 12 apostles. His brother, Andrew, introduced him to Jesus.
3. Saint Peter struggled with doubt and human weakness, yet Jesus still chose him!
4. Saint Peter was the first Pope. The Catholic Church can trace the succession of every pope back to Saint Peter!
5. The Acts of the Apostles illustrate his role as the Church’s head–the rock upon which Christ would build His Church.
6. He died by crucifixion. Tradition says he requested an upside-down crucifixion because he considered himself unworthy to die the way Jesus did. Saint Peter’s Basilica is built over his tomb.
And here are 6 things to know about Saint Paul:
1. Before receiving the name Paul, he was Saul, a Jewish pharisee who zealously persecuted Christians in Jerusalem. (CNA)
2. He underwent a huge conversion on his way to persecute Christians in Damascus. He instead went on to be baptized there and dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel.
3. Saint Paul was imprisoned and beheaded under Emperor Nero.
4. His letters are in the New Testament. These writings shed light on the faith of the early Church.
5. He is buried in Rome in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.
6. Saint Paul is the patron saint of missionaries and evangelists!
As Saint Augustine said,
“Both apostles share the same feast day, for these two were one; and even though they suffered on different days, they were as one. Peter went first, and Paul followed. And so we celebrate this day made holy for us by the apostles’ blood. Let us embrace what they believed, their life, their labors, their sufferings, their preaching, and their confession of faith.”
Here is a prayer for the feast of Saints Peter and Paul:
God Our Father, today 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. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
