Hey there,
There are 27 feasts celebrated in the Liturgical Year. But who’s counting?
Most of them center around Mary, the Apostles, and martyrs, for example.
On Saturday, February 22 we will celebrate the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter the Apostle.
Yep. A chair.
This chair.
The wooden relic of the chair is encased in this elaborate bronze sculpture by Gian Lorenzo Bernini that resides in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
Tradition claims that Saint Peter used this chair … not the big bronze one. I don’t know how anyone would even climb up into that chair. But Saint Peter used the wooden one that is preserved. Or at least pieces of it that are still preserved.
Catholics have recognized this feast day since the end of the fourth century. But it’s evolved to be about much more than a physical chair … it’s about the spiritual significance of the chair.
This feast day is an opportunity to recognize Jesus’ establishment of the Pope as His representative here on Earth. We give thanks to God for the mission entrusted to the Apostle Peter and his successors, which has been in place for more than 2000 years!
That’s 2000+ years of shepherding, teaching, and uniting Catholics around the world.
Last year, we covered the Holy See, it’s history, the conclave, and Pope Francis’ biography. It may be worth another look if you missed it.
This week, Genuflect takes a deep dive into the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, including what it is we celebrate, why we celebrate, a look at papal names and the Vatican, the church’s ability to withstand crisis, and who just might succeed Pope Francis.
And don’t miss the opportunity tomorrow to join me in praying the Novena to the Chair of Saint Peter. More on that in the resources below.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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genuflect: resources
Celebrate a Chair?
The Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter does celebrate a chair. But it’s not just any chair. Here are 7 things you need to know about this important chair.
Here’s Why Catholics Celebrate The Chair of Saint Peter | Epic Pew
Yes, a Chair!
On February 22 we’ll celebrate the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter. And while we do celebrate a specific chair, there’s actually more to it than a piece of furniture.
Why in The World do Catholics Celebrate a Chair? | Word on Fire
Prayer to The Chair
Unite yourself to the Lord and pray for all of the Lord’s shepherds with this Novena. Beginning tomorrow, Feb. 13th, pray this Novena to the Chair of St. Peter every day for 9 days, ending on the day before the feast. Each day you’ll pray the opening prayer, the brief scripture and intention for the specific day, and end with the final prayer.
Chair of St. Peter Novena | Atonement Online
What’s in a Name?
Have you ever wondered how Popes choose their name? If there are any guidelines or regulations surrounding Popely names? Or why Pope John Paul I, Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis chose their names? Learn the answers to all these questions in this informative article.
How do Popes Choose Their New Name? | Aleteia
Home Sweet Home
Did you know that The Vatican is its own political city state? That’s why it’s called Vatican City. But when was it created? Where did the land come from? Who built the Vatican? If you’ve got questions, Busted Halo has the answers.
When Was Vatican City Created? Who Was The First Pope to Live There? | Busted Halo
The Papacy And Crisis
Professor Carlos Eire is a believer and a historian with expertise on the Prodestant Reformation. His studies of the history of the church gives him a unique perspective on the effects of crisis on the church. And its ability to overcome adversity, which he says it’s done on multiple occasions. It’s a perspective we can all use right now given the current state of our church.
Church Historian Discusses The Papacy, Past And Present | National Catholic Register
Why Pray For The Pope
Since Pope Francis’ first public appearance as our Pope, he has been asking for our prayers. But as Jesus’ representative on Earth, shouldn’t he be interceding on our behalf? Of course the Pope does pray for us, but his prayer requests remind us that he too is a mere human.
Why is Pope Francis Asking People to Pray For Him? | Washington Post
Pope Francis’ Agenda
Popes tend to make the news when they travel, deliver important speeches, and make appointments. But 2020 is off to a slow start for Pope Francis as he finishes up two high-profile documents that are due out any time now. Here’s a look at what lies ahead for the Pope over the next 10 months.
Pope’s Early 2020 Likely to be Dominated by Documents Rather Than Deeds | Crux
Pope Watch
No one knows when the next papal election will take place. Nor do we know who the conclave will elect. But it doesn’t stop us from speculating. Phil Lawler looks at 6 cardinals to watch.
Who is Most Likely to Succeed Pope Francis? | Catholic Culture
‘The Two Popes’
The recent Netflix film ‘The Two Popes’ starring Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce has received some scathing reviews in Catholic circles. But Sister Nancy Usselmann reports that the brilliant acting, moving composition, and personal approach will leave the viewer spiritually transformed.
‘The Two Popes:’ Growing in Communion | Catholic Mom
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