Solemnity of St. Peter and St. Paul

Two giants of the Catholic Church, Saints Peter and Paul, are often considered to have been martyred on the same day under the monstrous Roman emperor Nero (54 to 68).  Peter was crucified upside down, as he deemed himself unworthy to die in the same manner as Christ, and Paul, being a Roman citizen, was beheaded. The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul falls on June 29th.

Saint Peter Originally called Simon, Jesus change his name to Peter (Petros in Greek, meaning "rock") and is quoted as saying “On this rock I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:18). That is exactly what took place. Peter became the first earthly representative of Christ, the head of the Apostles and the first Pope. He performed miracles on behalf of Christ, accepted gentiles into the Church, officially released Christian Jews from Mosaic Law, and was miraculously rescued from prison by an angel the night before he was to be executed by King Herod Agrippa.

Saint Paul Previously a zealous Pharisee named Saul who persecuted Christians, was temporarily blinded and converted by the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). Paul’s soul was immediately transformed.  He converted to Christianity and became a fervent lover of Our Lord.  This Apostle to the Gentiles travelled extensively throughout Asia Minor and Europe to establish and grow Christian communities, and is responsible for 13 Epistles in the New Testament.