In 2010, I was in Rome with a group of pilgrims during the year in honor of priests. We were blessed to have a papal audience with Pope Benedict XVI. It was quite exciting to say the least.
The instructions were to rise early, dress in our best attire, and arrive two hours before the scheduled time at St Peter Square.
After a long period of waiting, the Pope finally emerges in his Pope Mobile. He was driven through the aisles so that pilgrims had a chance to wave at him, take pictures and have a closer look at the Holy Father.
Here standing in front of us is the Pope, the Vicar of Christ, the visible leader of the Catholic Church. I could not contain my excitement. When the Pope was just a few feet away, I shouted loudly many times "Viva La Papa!" In Italian, it means "long live the Pope!" Or at least I thought it was.
The tour guide quickly turned towards me and explained that Italian is sort of like Spanish. Certain words are used for masculine and feminine. The correct way is to say Viva Il Papa, not Viva La Papa. If you happen to be in Rome, try not to make the same mistake.
As you may know, there are four major basilicas in Rome. St Peter, St Paul, St Mary Maggorre, and St John Lateran Basilica, it's dedication is the celebration today.
Some people think that St Peter is the Pope's church. It is understandable because the Pope resides near St Peter Basilica. He also greets pilgrims throughout the world at St Peter. St Peter has a large square that can readily accommodate hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. Close to St Peter is the Sistine Chapel, known for housing the majestic paintings of artists such as Michangelo and his paintings on the ceilings. It's also the place where the Cardinals would gather when casting their ballots for the election of the new Pope.
St John Lateran Basilica wasn't always a basilica. The property actually belonged to a Roman Senator named Plautinus Lateranus. When he was executed by the Infamous Emperor Nero, the property was confiscated and now belonged to the Emperor. Eventually, when Constantine became emperor, and is the first Roman Emperor to become a Christian, he gave the Lateran property to the Pope. Constantine felt that the visible leader of Christianity, the Pope, needed a residence that matched his dignity and office. This all took place in 312 AD.
In 324, Pope Sylvester dedicated the Lateran Basilica to the Savior and made it the cathedral of Rome. It became the Pope's residence for over 1000 years. Eventually, the basilica was also dedicated to St John the Baptist and that is how the basilica today is known as St John Lateran. One notable feature about the Basilica is that it has paintings of all the Popes, beginning with the first Pope, St Peter to the current Pope.
The Lateran Basilica had always been the residence of the Pope. But in the 1300s, the Pope took residence in France. This is called the Avignon Papacy. The Pope made this move so that he could be a peacemaker between England and France.
There were 7 successive Popes that resided in France during that period. But it was St Catherine of Siena that manages to convince the last pope to move back to Rome. However, after that, the French Cardinals were unhappy, and decided to elect their own pope. These were called the anti-popes. They are not included in the Apostolic Succession. They don't have a self portrait in St John Lateran Basilica.
In addition to the confusion during the Avignon Papacy, the Basilica of St John Lateran was greatly affected by earthquakes. And soon after, a fire left the basilica in ruins. During the restoration process, the Popes residence was moved to the Vatican Hill and they began living there. Nevertheless, St John Lateran was, is and will continue to be the Pope's Cathedral.
Despite the early persecution of the Church by wicked Roman Emperors. Despite the natural disasters like earthquakes. Despite the fire that destroyed the Church. Despite the the crisis in leadership during the Avignon Papacy, the Church remains standing. The Church has withstand the test of time.
Why is this occasion, dedication of St John Lateran important and relevant for us today? Because as you may know, every community have to deal with certain issues that can be rather divisive. The Evil one is most happy when the community divides.
In the Church just like our nation, we are composed of different ideologies. We have in the Church, both conservatives and liberals, some are traditional and some are progressive. Some are progressively traditional, and some are traditionally progressive. Some who are pro-life and others pro choice. Some who like to watch Fox News while others like msnbc. Some who really love our president while others greatly despise him. Some prefer the Traditional Latin Mass, while others prefer to incorporate modern and popular Christian music. Some are advocating for women in leadership positions, while others prefer that everything remains the same.
It has happened in the past whenever there is a disagreement or dispute that people begin to leave or form their own faith community. As a Member of the Catholic Church, first of all we learn to be patient with Holy Mother Church. We learn that the Church doesn't change in regards to faith and morals. But the church does change its attitude in regards pastoral care of the faithful. Through prayer, guidance of the Holy Spirit, councils and synods, the Church looks for ways to be applicable in the modern world, without forfeiting its own integrity.
Secondly, we learn not to abandon ship when there is a disagreement. But to remain on the ship which is the Catholic Church, founded by Christ and the Apostles. Apostolic Succession is the element that makes the church unique.
In our second reading today, St Paul says that the Church is built upon a foundation. That foundation is the glue that holds the members together. According to St Paul, that foundation is Christ!
Holy Mother Church is built upon Christ as the foundation. She was, is and will always be the bride of Christ, wedded to Christ in the Holy Eucharist.
Happy Feast Day in the annual dedication of St John Lateran Basilica. Long live the Pope, and may the Church be a source of refuge for all who seek Jesus, all who need peace and healing, all who desire for the eternal life. May God bless you!
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