Solemnity of Saint Peter and Saint Paul

Today is the Solemnity of Saints Peter & Paul. This solemnity is of ancient origin and is observed in the both the East and the West on the same day, which is always a sign of an ancient observance. In fact, for many Eastern Catholics and all Orthodox there is a two week fast leading up to this great feast, just as there is a two week fast that precedes the Solemnity of the Assumption (called the Dormition in the Christian East).

In a sermon for this great feast, St. Augustine, preached: "This day has been consecrated for us by the martyrdom of the blessed apostles Peter and Paul. It is not some obscure martyrs we are talking about. Their sound has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world. These martyrs had seen what they proclaimed, they pursued justice by confessing the truth, by dying for the truth... There is one day for the passion of two apostles. But these two also were as one; although they suffered on different days, they were as one. Peter went first, Paul followed. We are celebrating a feast day, consecrated for us by the blood of the apostles. Let us love their faith, their lives, their labours, their sufferings, their confession of faith, their preaching."

Saints Peter and Paul, holy apostles, who sealed your testimony with your blood, pray for us, pray for Christ's holy Church.