Saint Peter & Saint Paul

Quick Facts - NZ

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

2023 Holidays & Dates

New Zealand & Common Holidays
Misc. & Int'l. Observances
Christian Holidays

Saint Peters

St Peters History

Saint Peter is a prominent religious figure in New Zealand due to his association with the Catholic Church. As the first Pope and one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, he is considered to be the founder of the Catholic Church. Saint Peter is revered as the patron saint of fishermen, which has historical significance in a country that is heavily reliant on fishing.

The Catholic Church in New Zealand was first established in the early 19th century by European missionaries, and Saint Peter was an important figure in its teachings and practices. Churches and cathedrals across the country bear his name and display his image, making him a prominent symbol of the faith.

In addition to his religious significance, Saint Peter also has a cultural impact on New Zealand. He is often depicted in Maori art and is included in many Maori rituals and ceremonies. The celebration of Saint Peter is observed annually on June 29th.

Saint Peter & Saint Paul 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.
  • St. Peter is often depicted in art and religious iconography holding the keys to the kingdom of heaven, symbolizing his role as the gatekeeper to the afterlife.
  • The name Peter is derived from the Greek word Petros, meaning rock, and is associated with St. Peter's reputation as a solid foundation of the Christian faith.

Top things to do in NZ 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 Peter: Keys to Following Jesus (2016) - A documentary by Dr. Tim Gray that examines the life, mission, and teachings of Saint Peter.
  • Visit the St. Paul's Cathedral in Wellington. This Anglican Cathedral offers beautiful architecture in the heart of the city and hosts various services, events, and concerts, including performances by the cathedral choir.

Saint Peter's Day references and related sites

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

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