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Updated weekly (Sunday 09/11/2025):

Liturgy – Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

For Christians, a church building here on earth is a reflection of the heavenly city, the new Jerusalem.  Contrary to popular opinion, the Pope’s Cathedral as Bishop of Rome is not St Peter’s Basilica but the Basilica of St John Lateran instead.  All Popes, once they have begun their ministry with solemn celebrations in the Vatican, must come here too and take possession of their Cathedral.  In the 4th century the Emperor Constantine gave the Pope property near the centre of Rome, a collection of buildings known as the Lateran.  On this day in the year 324 the central basilica or meeting hall was dedicated to the Most Holy Saviour (which is why this celebration ranks as a Feast of the Lord).  Much rebuilding has taken place since but it has continued to house the cathedra or chair of the Bishop of Rome.  A baptistry added 1500 years ago is still used today.  As the building and Church evolved, the name ‘Lateran’ carried the same weight as the word ‘Vatican’ does today and the title of the Cathedral evolved from ‘Most Holy Saviour’ to ‘St John’ (the Baptist).  As the title over the entrance to the Cathedral states, this is ‘the Mother and Head of All Churches in the City and throughout the World.’  Today’s celebrations then is one of communion with the universal church – the church in Rome and its Bishop and all other churches throughout the world that are in union with Rome.

Readings:  Universalis

Homily:   Sermon (Video 2m51s)

Reflection:  Sunday Plus

Hymns: (below)

• The Church’s one foundation
• Let us build the City of God
• Thy hand O God has guided
• God bless our pope
• Long live the pope
• Come and fill this temple
• In Christ there is no east or west

Services at StMC / StP:  Please check the newsletter(s) for the times & days of services.

Live Holy Mass Links:   a) Middlesbrough Dioc   b) UK/Ireland    c) World (in English)

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The Pope’s Prayer Intentions 2025: [Link: Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network]:

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