Many people don't know the Cathedral of the Pope.

CHRIST AND WE ARE THE CHURCH 

Many Catholics assume that St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome is the pope's primary church, but it is actually St. John Lateran, the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome, where the Bishop of Rome presides.  St. John Lateran holds greater significance than St. Peter’s and has a much longer history.

Initially dedicated to the Redeemer, St. John Lateran was rededicated to St. John the Baptist and St. John the Apostle after an earthquake in 896 AD.  The first basilica on this site was constructed in the 4th century, thanks to land donated by Emperor Constantine, which he had received from the wealthy Lateran family.  Over the centuries, the basilica and its subsequent structures endured fires, earthquakes, and the devastation of war, yet it remained the church where popes were consecrated until the 14th century.  At that time, the church and its adjoining palace were in ruins following the return from Avignon.

In 1646, Pope Innocent X commissioned the construction of the current basilica.  As one of Rome’s most imposing churches, the Lateran's grand facade is crowned with 15 colossal statues of Christ, St. John the Baptist, St. John the Evangelist, and 12 Doctors of the Church.  Beneath its high altar lies the remains of a small wooden table, traditionally believed to be the very table on which St. Peter himself celebrated Mass.

The feast day associated with St. John Lateran invites us to reflect on the true meaning of the word "Church."  On one level, the Church is a physical structure, a place where the faithful gather to worship.  However, more importantly, the Church is a spiritual reality - the Body of Christ, with Christ as the Head and all of us as its members.

Jesus assured us that where two or three are gathered in His name, He is present among us because His Spirit dwells within us forever.  Jesus is the cornerstone upon which the Church is built, and we, His followers, are the living stones that help to construct it.  Each of us, though small, plays a vital role in this divine construction, and we can find comfort in Christ's promise that not even the power of Hell can overcome the Church He has established.  Thus, the Church is far more significant and enduring than even the oldest and most magnificent basilicas.

Today, we honour those who donated this basilica to the Church and those who rebuilt and restored this stunning edifice.  But more importantly, we must remember that we are the building materials of the Church.  We are the marble and the stones of this sacred structure.  If we live as good Catholics, we contribute the finest materials to this spiritual edifice.  Let us pray that Christ finds us worthy to be used in building up His Church.

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