Saint Peter and Saint Paul Day is observed every year on June 29. The event is the liturgical feast day that honors two martyrs of the Christian faith, St. Peter and St. Paul. Although the church acknowledges they may not have been executed at the same time, both met death at the command of the Roman emperor — Nero. The date chosen is the traditional anniversary of their death and martyrdom. The event is a significant religious occasion in Rome, and the catholic church in England commemorates it with a festival. Parishes around the world hold masses to commemorate the day.
HISTORY OF SAINT PETER AND SAINT PAUL DAY
Saint Peter and Saint Paul Day are likely one of the oldest feast days celebrated in the Christian calendar. Paintings of Peter and Paul were discovered on the wall of catacombs in 2010. The images on the walls date back to the fourth century A.D. The holiday is dedicated to two saints in the Christian belief. Peter was the head of the apostles and the first pope. Paul, formerly called Saul, was a persecutor of the Christian faith but converted to Christianity on the road to Damascus.
.Emperor Nero ordered the martyrdom of St Peter and St Paul. This event was thought to have occurred between 64 and 68 A.D. St Peter was crucified head down because he did not believe he was worthy of being crucified alongside Jesus. The cause of Paul’s death was unknown, but it was widely assumed that he was decapitated in Rome.
In Rome, Ticino, Switzerland, and Malta, Saint Peter and Saint Paul Day is a public holiday. The Latin Church, England, Scotland, and Wales observe it as a holy day of obligation, while the United States and Canada do not.
In 2021 the pandemic led to the cancellation of Saint Peter and Saint Paul Day public celebrations. Catholics were advised to celebrate at home while adhering to covid restrictions.
On June 29, Christians in coastal and island communities adorn their boats and docks to honor St. Peter, who was the patron saint of fishermen.
Credit: National Today
