Saint Peters

Saint Peters Quick Facts - AU

AKA NameSolemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Feast of Saints Peter and Paul
HashtagsCompiled on#StPeters, #SaintPetersBasilica
2023 Date29 June 2023
2024 Date29 June 2024

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Australian & Common Holidays
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Saint Peters

St Peters History

The Observance of Saint Peter, a remarkable Catholic event, seeks to pay homage to one of the most revered apostles of Jesus Christ. Known as the rock upon which Christ built his church, Saint Peter holds a significant position in Christianity as the first Pope and Bishop of Rome. Leading the disciples through tumultuous times and playing a pivotal role in spreading Christ's teachings, the observance offers a chance to remember and appreciate this legendary figure and his tireless service to the Christian faith.

The origins of the celebration stem from Saint Peter's martyrdom, a testimony of his unshakable faith which resonates with Catholics worldwide. In Australia, a nation deeply rooted in Christianity, the Observance offers an opportunity for introspection and discernment of its own spiritual journey. As the apostle who personifies unwavering conviction, Saint Peter serves as an inspiration for Australian Christians to stand steadfast in their beliefs while cultivating a sense of unity and community.

Across Australia, the celebration of Saint Peter invites the faithful to participate in age-old ceremonies steeped in symbolism and tradition. Holy masses are held across churches, with special prayers offered to this venerated disciple, encompassing the essence of this solemn commemoration. The celebration of Saint Peter is observed annually on June 29th, underlining the continued importance of Saint Peter's legacy and his eternal impact on the growth of the Catholic Church.

Saint Peters facts & quotes

  • Peter's original name was Simon, but Jesus changed it to Peter, which means 'the rock'. Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 16:17b-19).
  • Peter and Paul disagreed frequently over whether non-Jews converting to Christianity needed to follow Jewish customs. Peter believed that these Gentile converts should become Jewish first, while Paul's belief was that they could skip that step.
  • The coat of arms of Australia features a shield adorned with a silver cross and symbols representing each of the states. The silver cross alludes to the cross upon which St. Peter was crucified, and the arms of the cross bear symbols of England, Scotland, and Ireland, reflecting their link to the religious origin of the cross of St. Peter.
  • Saint Peter was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. He was originally named Simon but was given the name Peter by Jesus, which means rock in Greek, as he was seen as the foundation of the early Christian Church.

Top things to do in Australia for Saint Peter's Day

  • Go fishing in honor of St. Peter. He was a fisherman before he became Jesus' disciple, and is the patron saint of fisherman and net makers.
  • Go camping in honor of St. Paul. Before his conversion to Christianity, Paul was a tent maker. He is the patron saint of tent makers as well as writers. In addition to being an accomplished preacher, Paul wrote epistles that are included in the Bible's New Testament.
  • Watch History Channel - The Real Jesus : The Life of St. Peter (2003) and Jesus: His Life(2019). This is a documentary series produced by the History Channel that touches on St. Peter as a follower of Jesus and as the first pope. These documentaries offer a historical perspective on the man considered the rock of the Christian faith.
  • Visit the St Peter's Cathedral in Adelaide, a beautiful Gothic Revival cathedral dedicated to St Peter. Visitors can attend Mass, explore the cathedral, or take a guided tour.

Saint Peter's Day references and related sites

Martin Hengel: Saint Peter: The Underestimated Apostle (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing: 2010)

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