November 9, 2021
Today marks the anniversary of the dedication of the cathedral of Rome and, thus, the episcopal seat of the Supreme Pontiff – the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran. Contrary to popular belief, the cathedral of the Universal Church is not the Basilica of St. Peter (where most papal ceremonies in recent centuries are being held), but the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran. As we may have noticed, St. Peter’s Basilica does not have a “cathedra” or bishop’s throne because this can be found in the Lateran Basilica. The Lateran Basilica is the “????? ?? ????? ??????? ??????????? ????? ?? ?????” (Mother and head of all churches of Rome and the world).
Perhaps for practical reasons, most pontiffs only celebrate Mass in this cathedral during Holy Thursday (Mass of the Last Supper).
Because a cathedral is where the teaching authority of the bishops – the successors of the apostles – symbolically emanate from, its dedication anniversary has significance in their respective dioceses. The anniversary of its dedication is liturgically celebrated as a feast in the diocese where it belongs and as a solemnity in the cathedral building itself. But since the cathedral of Rome is home to the Seat of the Supreme Pontiff – the Successor of Peter and head of the Universal Church – its dedication is not just celebrated within the Diocese of Rome but extends to the whole Universal Church. Thus, today Catholics across the globe observe this feast.
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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, God, for ever and ever. Amen