November 9, 2025 - The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

This weekend we celebrate a unique feast — not of a saint or an event in Christ’s life, but of a church building: the Archbasilica of the Most Holy Savior and of Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist at the Lateran, better known as the Lateran Basilica. The Lateran Basilica is the cathedral of Rome — the Pope’s own church — and holds the title “Mother and head of all the churches of the city and of the world.” It was the first church built after Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity by The Edict of Milan issued in the year 313 A.D. by the Roman emperors Constantine the Great (who ruled the West) and Licinius (who ruled the East). It granted religious freedom throughout the empire and, most importantly, legalized Christianity after nearly three centuries of intermittent persecution. Before this decree, Christians had suffered under waves of imperial hostility, particularly during the reigns of emperors Decius and Diocletian. Churches were destroyed, sacred books burned, and many believers martyred for refusing to worship the Roman gods or the emperor.

The Edict of Milan changed everything. It declared that “Christians and all others should have freedom to follow the religion which they choose” and ordered that confiscated Christian property be returned. This was not only a practical change but a profound shift in Roman policy — from suppression to tolerance. Under Constantine’s protection, Christianity began to flourish. Churches were built openly (including the Lateran Basilica in Rome, the first major Christian church), bishops could meet in councils, and the faith spread rapidly across the empire. The Edict of Milan thus marks the beginning of the Church’s public life and the end of the age of persecution. It set the stage for Christianity to become a vital force in Western civilization and, eventually, the official religion of the empire under Emperor Theodosius at the end of the 4th century.

Lateran Basilica was dedicated in the year 324 A.D. by Pope Sylvester I. For over a thousand years, the Popes lived and governed the Church from the Lateran Palace next to the basilica. Although its dedication is a local Roman anniversary, the feast is celebrated by the entire Church to remind us that the unity of all believers is built upon the faith handed down from the apostles and safeguarded by the successor of Peter. The Lateran stands as a sign of that unity — a visible reminder that we are one family of faith spread across the world.

But this feast points beyond stone and marble. As St. Paul teaches, “You are God’s building… God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” Each of us is a living stone in God’s spiritual house. Just as the Lateran Basilica has been rebuilt and renewed over centuries, so too must our hearts be continually renewed to remain worthy dwelling places for the Lord. As we honor the “Mother Church of Christendom,” may we also renew our love and reverence for our own parish church, the local sign of God’s dwelling among His people. And may our lives reflect the holiness of the living temple that is the Body of Christ.

God bless everyone always!!!

Fr. Stan