Pastor's Column

February 22nd



Chair of St. Peter Why do we celebrate the Chair of St. Peter? The “chair” to which this feast refers is the cathedra, or office, of the Apostle Peter. Given by Christ to St. Peter (see Matthew 16:13-18), Peter’s supreme pastoral office is passed to each of his successors as Bishop of Rome, that is, where Peter last served and where he died a martyr. Throughout the 2,000-year history of the Church, there have been 266 popes, beginning with Peter. Among them are many saints and martyrs who have devoted themselves to the Gospel.

What does the Chair of St. Peter represent? While an actual chair exists in Rome that some believe was used by St. Peter, the Chair of St. Peter represents the papacy, the unbroken succession of popes throughout the Church’s 2,000-year history. Given by Christ Himself to St. Peter in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 16 verses 13-18, Peter’s supreme pastoral office is passed to each of his successors as Bishop of Rome.

Who was the First Pope? Christ Himself appointed St. Peter as the first pope. Although the honorific title developed over time, Peter’s office as head of the Apostles is evident in the New Testament.

(from EWTN.com)