Feast of the Dedication of St. John Lateran Basilica

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Feast of the Dedication of St. John Lateran
Basilica
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• Omnium urbis et orbis ecclesiarum mater and
  caput.
• The mother and mistress of all churches of Rome
  and the world.

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Fast facts

• Once a palace of a prominent Roman Lateran
  family, then later was confiscated by the empire.
• In 313, Constantine I gave it to Pope St.
  Miltiades.

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• The palace was reconstructed, extended and
  converted into the Cathedral of Rome.

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• In 324, Pope Sylvester officially dedicated the
  Basilica and the Papal throne was placed.

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Why do we celebrate the dedication of the St.
John Lateran Basilica?

• Like every church, it is a place of the presence
  of Jesus and so when we honor a church, we honor
  Jesus.
• Popes Cathedral containing his Cathedra, is the
  symbol of his Magisterial office.

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• 3. Reminds us that we are all a living building
  whose foundation stone is Christ (2nd reading)
  and we are united around the Cathedra of Our Holy
  Father.

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Practical reminders

• Respect the sacredness and silence of the Church.
  Thus, refrain from chatting, eating, drinking in
  the church.
• Be obedient to the teachings of the Pope and the
  Church.
• Respect our bodies as temples of Jesus Christ.