Cathedral Family,

This coming Monday is the Solemnity of Ss. Peter and Paul.  They are collectively the foundation of the Christian faith---both martyred in the city of Rome in 64 AD.  They are not simply historical figures, but rather they form two essential dimensions of the Christian life:  Peter represents unity and leadership, while Paul symbolizes evangelization, missionary activity, and theological teaching.  Together they show the Church is both “rooted” and “outward looking; stable in faith and always on mission.

Peter and Paul remind us that everywhere in the world, including our own altar here at St. Francis, is the same faith passed down to us from the apostles, sustained in every era, and is now our gift to be nurtured and lived.  I have heard it said many times that many young people and non- religious people, who have expressed great interest, are now turning to our Catholic faith–precisely because of the ancient origin that has been kept alive by the Holy Spirit all of these years.  The solid permanence of our faith brings a kind of security, mystery, and awe.  Peter and Paul together show they are different in backgrounds, temperament, and even disagreed with each other. Yet, both were transformed by Christ and became pillars of the same Church.

They also show us that by dying for the faith, there will be a cost of something required by every Christian. It is not cheap grace to be a believer.  Their death, Peter by being crucified upside down and Paul being beheaded, shows us that faithfulness will bear witness when we are willing to undergo suffering for what we believe. 

May our collective witness in our time be both an attraction and invitation to all that following the Lord is worthwhile, meaningful, and the most adventurous way to live life!  

Have a blessed week as we move forward to celebrate next weekend, the 250th Anniversary of our nation!  

Peace and Prayers,

Father Christy