Dedication of the Lateran Basilic

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. You can be forgiven if you are not too familiar with this feast day or why we are celebrating it. Even those of you who have visited Rome--where this Archbasilica is located--may not really get what the fuss is about. I get that. I have been to the Lateran Basilica and I too must say that I am underwhelmed by it. But it is not the building that we celebrate, of course. It never really is, is it? This is the oldest church in Rome, dating back to 324 (although it has been rebuilt several times since then). It is the Cathedral Church of the diocese of Rome and as such, it is the Pope's church where he, as Bishop of Rome, presides. Underneath its altar is supposedly a small wooden table where Peter (yes, that Peter!) celebrated Mass. So today is deservedly a feast and Catholics everywhere should revere our spiritual home.