If you have ever been to the Vatican you will doubtless have entered the breathtaking Basilica of Saint Peter. Those entering this incredible building are often awestruck for St. Peter’s Basilica has the largest interior of any Christian church in the world, holding a staggering 60,000 people. It is no less than the “Mother church” of the Catholic Church universal and undeniably one of the holiest of Christian sites visited by countless pilgrims each day.
Inside the Basilica you can visit the site of Saint Peter’s tomb, situated directly beneath the main altar where many Popes have been interred since the earliest Christian period. Indeed a church has stood on this site since the 4th Century – the present basilica being built from 1506-1626.
Why do I tell you all of this? Because it has come to my attention (biretta tip to Seminarian Bradley) that the Littlemore sisters in Oxford managed to ensure that Mass was said for all those considering new life in the Ordinariate at the altar in Saint Peter’s tomb on Monday 22nd February- an official day of prayer for this exciting opportunity. How wonderful to know that we Anglo-Catholics are being prayed for! And how wonderful that we were the intention of a Mass in such a significant and profoundly holy place. It sends shivers down my spine…..
Having been accused of pedantry (by a distinguished religious affairs correspondent and on another forum, both of which shall remain nameless), I fear I must live up to my reputation, Father.
The “Mother Church” of the Catholic Church is the Holy Father’s cathedral, the Archbasilica of the Most Holy Saviour, popularly called Saint John Lateran. (Its separate baptistery is the bit actually dedicated in honour of S. John – the Evangelist, that is.) The basilica is very conscious of its status. On the way in (in 2000 at least, when I last visited) , eschewing newfangled Italian, the porch notice told us we weer entering “Archibasilica Sanctissimi Salvatoris, Cathedralis Romae, Omnium Urbis et Orbis Ecclesiarum Mater et Caput”.
Great news, nevertheless!
Yes I knew that really having been there many times! I like the heads of Peter and Paul!