Tuesday 5 May 2015

Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

Today we celebrate the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome because it is the head and mother church of all churches in the world. The Basilica of St. John Lateran is the Pope’s cathedral because St. John Lateran's Basilica is the Cathedral of the Diocese of Rome, where the Pope is also known as Bishop of Rome.

The dedication of this Church is a feast for all Roman Catholics because St. John Lateran is the parish church of all Catholics since it is the pope's cathedral. In celebrating the dedication of the Pope’s cathedral, we show our unity with the Pope and our love and respect for him, as well as our obedience and faithfulness to the teachings of the Catholic Church. It also shows that we are united with each other in the Universal Catholic Church. St. Paul described this unity in the Church in the 2nd reading as "God's Temple with the Spirit of God living among us."

Thus, we must be united in heart and mind, and worship in Spirit and truth, so that the Church would be like what is described as the Temple in the 1st reading: with living waters flowing out to bring about healing and reconciliation, and bearing fruits of life and love.

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