On June 29, Rome turns red. It is the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, the two "Pillars" of the Church. It is a Holy Day of Obligation in many countries (though not usually in the US).
The Odd Couple
- Peter: Uneducated fisherman. Impulsive. Denied Christ three times. Given the "Keys" to the Kingdom. The first Pope. Ministry to the Jews.
- Paul: Highly educated Pharisee. Intense. Persecuted Christians. Knocked off his horse. The "Apostle to the Gentiles." Ministry to the world.
They argued often (see Galatians 2), but they were united in blood.
Their Deaths
Both were martyred in Rome under Emperor Nero around 64-67 AD.
- Peter: Crucified upside down on the Vatican Hill (where St. Peter's Basilica stands today). He felt unworthy to die exactly like his Lord.
- Paul: Beheaded outside the walls (where St. Paul Outside the Walls stands today). As a Roman citizen, he could not be crucified. Legend says his head bounced three times, creating three fountains (Tre Fontane).
Why Together?
The Church celebrates them on the same day to show that the Church is ONE.
- Peter represents Authority and Unity (The Rock).
- Paul represents Theology and Mission (The Sword). You need both. Structure without mission is dead; mission without structure is chaos.
Pray for the Pope (Peter's successor) today. Find the prayer "Oremus Pro Pontifice" on the MyPrayerTower app.