Observe the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul at These Incredible Shrines
There are many, many (many, many, many) Catholic saints, but if there are two that we can guarantee nearly everyone knows, it is Saints Peter and Paul.
Saint Peter, originally named Simon, was one of Jesus Christ’s original apostles and the Catholic Church's first pope. He is revered for his role in founding the Church of Rome, and his symbol of the keys represents his divine authority to bind and loose on earth, as granted by Christ. His leadership and martyrdom in Rome cement his central place in Catholic tradition.
Saint Paul, on the other hand, was not one of the original apostles, but his conversion from a persecutor of Christians to one of Christianity’s most ardent messengers is dramatic and transformative. Known as the Apostle to the Gentiles, Paul’s missionary journeys, detailed in the Acts of the Apostles and his epistles, were crucial in spreading Christianity beyond Jewish communities into the wider Greco-Roman world. His writings form a substantial portion of the New Testament and continue influencing Christian theology and practice.
In honor of the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29th, we are going to do something a little different today and highlight TWO potential pilgrimage opportunities, beginning with this one for St. Peter:
(Please note: The Chair of St. Peter does have its own feast day on February 22nd, but we love this statue and think it also deserves to be highlighted for St. Peter's Feast Day.)
Nestled away inside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is a miniature replica of the Chair of Saint Peter.
Resembling the original Chair of Saint Peter in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, the bronze statue was first obtained by then-bishop Shahan in 1925 and has been on display at the Basilica since 1926.
The Chair of St. Peter isn't the only fixture dedicated to the Church's first pope, as you can also find stained glass...
...intricate carvings...
...and, depending on when you visit, even relics or other special events dedicated to this great saint.
To learn more about the Chair of St. Peter and other things to see and do during your visit to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, please visit their website.
Now that we have paid tribute to St. Peter, let's turn our attention to St. Paul and the Cathedral of St. Paul:
Aptly located in St. Paul, Minnesota, the Cathedral of St. Paul was first designated the National Shrine of the Apostle Paul by the Vatican and the US Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2009.
When you visit, you will find plenty of things to see, beginning with the gorgeous sanctuary and its intricate touches.
Like all great shrines and cathedrals, St. Paul's boasts colorful stained glass and statues, larger-than-life organs, rare artwork, and a dome.
Unlike other shrines and cathedrals, however, St. Paul's is also home to a museum with a permanent collection and special limited exhibits.
Tours of the Cathedral of St. Paul can be self-guided or with a knowledgeable docent.
If you want to make the most of your visit, you can even plan a pilgrimage with your church or school group!
To learn more about the Cathedral of St. Paul - including suggested donation amounts for tours, hours of operation, and more - please visit their website.