The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

This feast day commemorates a building known as Basilica of St. John Lateran. The early Christians gathered quietly in their homes. But when the Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity, the followers of Jesus no longer feared persecution. Constantine donated a family palace to the Church and it became the Basilica of St. John Lateran. The Lateran Basilica is dedicated to St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist. It is named Lateran in honor of the family which originally owned the property. It is the oldest church in Rome.

This feast day reminds Catholics of our past. It also makes us think of the importance of religious freedom.

Daily Mass Readings for the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

• First Reading – Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12: “The angel brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water flowing out from beneath the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the façade of the temple was toward the east; the water flowed down from the southern side of the temple, south of the altar.”
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 46: “The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!”
• Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17: “Each one must be careful how he builds upon it, for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ.”
• Gospel – John 2:13-22: ““Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.””

Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

1 Corinthians 3:16

Zeal for your house will consume me.

John 2:17

History of the Lateran Basilica

Read more about the past of this famous church which is the Cathedral of Rome. It is known for its beauty and architecture. The facade of the church features huge statues representing Christ, St. John the Baptist, St. John the Evangelist, and the twelve apostles.

The Chair of St. Peter

This is not the only feast day which celebrates something made by man. The Feast of the Chair of St. Peter is celebrated annually also.