Estimated Reading Time: 3 min 58 sec
On Thursday 29th June , Rome celebrates its patron saints St. Peter and St. Paul. This annual holiday marks the liturgical feast in honour of the martyrdom in Rome of the city’s patron saints, the apostles Peter and Paul. This celebration dates back to ancient Christian times. The date commemorates the death of the two saints, both of whom are said to be buried at the two basilicas that bear their names: St Peter’s and St Paul’s Outside the Walls. Come to Rome and see the many ways in which the city celebrates the 29th June and its patron saints St. Peter and St. Paul.. Take one of our Tours and we’ll take you to see St. Peter, St. Paul…
St. Peter and St. Paul; who were they?
St. Peter was the first Pope and founder of the Roman Catholic Church. St. Peter was said to have been martyred around 64 A.D. during the reign of Emperor Nero. His death was by crucifixion since he was not a Roman citizen. Since he considered himself unworthy to die in the same way that Jesus did, he requested that he be crucified upside down. He was buried in what was to become the Vatican Necropolis and later St. Peter’s Basilica was built over his tomb.
St. Peter and St. Paul by Raffaello
St. Paul was responsible for much of the New Testament and is one of the most important Apostles. It is believed it was him who spread the teachings of Jesus and Christianity. In fact, 13 out of the 27 books of the New Testament are attributed to him. St. Paul was said to also have been martyred during the reign of Nero as well. He was beheaded and buried in Rome outside the walls. Although the church recognizes that they may not have died on the same day, tradition says that this is the day they were both martyred in Rome by Emperor Nero.
29th June – Rome and its traditions on this day
The patron saint day in Rome is a day of “solemnity”. This means that Catholics should not eat meat on the day. In Rome, generally, stores, banks and schools, and the Vatican are closed. The pope holds a special mass and the bronze statue of St. Peter is decorated with a traditional attire. The other celebrations include flower parades and fireworks. Sometimes in honour of St. Peter, who was the patron saint of fishermen, coastal and island communities may decorate their boats.
Come to Rome and see the many ways in which the city celebrates its patron saints. Take one of our Tours and we’ll take you to see St. Peter, St. Paul… and another church which is dedicated to both.
