February 22 – Chair of St. Peter
Added to the liturgical calendar: 3rd century
On this day the Church celebrates the authority of the papacy by commemorating the Chair or “Cathedra” of St. Peter, the first pope and bishop of Rome. The chair or seat of a bishop is a fixed part of the mother church in a diocese, (cathedral) representing a bishop’s authority as a successor of the Apostles.
In St. Peter’s Basilica stands an ancient oak chair, known as the Throne of St. Peter, and it is a historical treasure and one of the most sacred symbols of Christianity.
As pope, Peter enjoyed a primacy among the apostles, often speaking on their behalf. The other apostles in turn showed him deference as illustrated by John waiting for Peter to enter Christ’s empty tomb first.
As Matthew records, Jesus himself made Peter the head of the Church.
And I say to you: That you are Peter, and upon this rock, I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever you shall bind on earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever you shall loose on earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven. (Mt 16:17-20)
Though he was given this great honor and responsibility, Peter was certainly not above reproach. In fact, many of his faults are recorded in the gospels, including many occasions of rashness and denying three times that he even knew Jesus.
Despite his failings, he died a martyr by crucifixion upside down between the years of 64 and 68. The feast of St. Peter’s Chair represents the great mission entrusted to him by Christ.
St. Peter, pray for us.