MOVE OVER ST. PETER'S - BEFORE THE BEAUTY OF YOUR BASILICA, WAS THE ROMAN CATHEDRAL - THE BASILICA OF ST. JOHN LATERAN..........

Catholics and non Catholics tend to think of St. Peter's Basilicia in Rome, as the main church of Catholic-Christians in the world.  Actually it is second to the true Roman Cathedral, the Basilica of St. John Lateran, which was constructed in the 4th Century, and was dedicated on November 9, 324; whereas St. Peter's Basilica was built from the year 1506 to 1626 A.D.  St. John Lateran Basilica is built on on Roman land that was donated by the Laterani Family, during the Pontificate of Sylvester I, who is commemorated on the liturgical calendar on the last day of the year, December 31.  As the Cathedral Church of the Pope as Bishop of Rome, it is called, "the mother and head of all churches in Rome and the world".  It was also the residence of the Popes from the 4th Century until 1309 A.D., the year the Papacy was exiled to Avignon, France for a significant period of time.  Of the 21 Ecumenical Councils convened in the history of Catholic-Christianity, 5 of those Councils of the Church Leadership have been held at St. John Lateran Basilica. The Lateran Basilica was originally dedicated in the 4th century to the Savior Jesus the Christ and was latter re-dedicated to St. John Lateran.  The Feast of the Dedication of St. John Lateran Basilica, is also a feast of remembrance for the day parish churches throughout the world have been consecrated to serve God and all Believers in their local communities.  So even though I know our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church Dedication Day WAS jUNE 14, 1959, the day we will commemorate it annually during my pastorate, we join with  churches everywhere today in a special way as a day of remembrance and rededication..........Christ Our Savior Hear Us; St. John the Baptist Pray For Us,   Fr.  Troy