Basilica of St. John Lateran

"The basilica of St. John Lateran was one of the first churches built by Christians following the early persecutions. It was raised in Rome under the Emperor Constantine...This church continues to be the Cathedral of the Roman Pontiff to this day. The basilica is called Mother of all the churches in Rome and of the world." (In Conversation with God, Francis Fernandez)

November 9th is the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. Since we were there two weeks ago I thought it would be fun to show some pictures and give a little insight into the Basilica to make the feast more meaningful!

For our first full day in Rome we started by taking a bus from where we were staying, Villa Fatima, to St. John Lateran for Mass. A small group had come earlier and we arrived just in time to join them for the homily!

This is one of the four major basilicas in Rome and as said above, is the Pope's Cathedral. The basilica is dedicated to St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist. It is a beautiful basilica and huge statues of the Apostles and Evangelists line both sides leading up to the altar.

Listening to our tour guide, Ben Akers, before entering the Basilica

An interesting fact, Saint Francis came to this church to ask Pope Innocent III for permission to start the Franciscan Order.

Statues of St. Francis and his companions looking towards St. John Lateran

Reliquary with the heads of Peter and Paul

Behind the picture are relics of the table of the Last Supper

These bronze doors are the original Roman doors from the Senate House in the Imperial Forum

Any church is your house, and the house of God. Value it as the place where we encounter our common Father. (Pope John Paul II)