The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul – Sunday 29th June 2025. (episode: 536)

The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul – 

Sunday 29th June 2025. (episode: 536)

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed stock photo ID: 41136337. Icon of saint Apostles Paul and Peter on mahogany and gold. By Dmitry Kalinovsky

Solemnity of Saints Peter And Paul  29th June. (episode: 536)

Readings for the Day
FIRST READING: Acts 12:1-11;
Psalm: Ps 33:2-9 "The Lord set me free from all my fears."
SECOND READING: 2 Tim 4:6-8, 17-18; 
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION, (Matthew 16:18). "Alleluia, alleluia!
You are Peter, the rock on which I will build my Church; the gates of hell will not hold out against it. Alleluia!
GOSPEL: Mt 16:13-19
 
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed stock photo ID: 41136337. Icon of saint Apostles Paul and Peter on mahogany and gold. By Dmitry Kalinovsky
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To listen to the audio recording of the readings, prayers and reflections for this feast, please click this link here:

https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ep-536-the/s-PXXCD9jNjip    (episode: 536)
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

{{Goodness and kindness to you all}}

On this special (feast of) St Peter and St. Paul
Our God's love and mercy knows no bounds, and so let us recall our sins so as to worthily celebrate this Holy Sacrifice.

Lord Jesus, you built your church on the solid rock of St Peter's confession. Lord, have mercy.
You sent Saint Paul as an apostle and teacher to the Gentiles. Christ, have mercy.
Your apostles were faithful workers in your vineyard. Lord, have mercy.
 
May Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation
3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection, you have set us free.
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PREFACE: Sts Peter and Paul
Euch.Prayer: 3
(PROPOSED THEME OPENING 1)
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Thanks for joining us for this time of prayer and reflection.

Dismissal:
Go in peace,  glorifying the Lord by your life.
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Prologue:  

Saints Peter and Paul died as martyrs in Rome under the persecution of Emperor Nero, between 64 and 67 AD. This prominent, outstanding feast day of the city of Rome has been observed on this date since the mid-third century. It commemorates the martyrdom of Peter the "chief of the apostles" and of Paul the "apostle to the Gentiles". They are remembered for their faith, their courage, and their leadership during the difficult days of the birth of our lord's spirit-led church. 

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HOMILY:

On this wonderful feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, here are some quotes from some of the Fathers of the Church. St. Ambrose, who lived from 340 to 397, was one of the original four doctors of the Church, and he says, 

 

"Where Peter is, there is the Church. Where the Church is, there is Jesus Christ.

Where Jesus Christ is, there is eternal salvation." 

St. Augustine, Father and Doctor of the Church, writes, "There is one feast day for the Passion of two Apostles. But these two also were as one. Although they suffered on different days, they were as one. Peter went first, and Paul followed. We are celebrating a feast day consecrated for us by the blood of the Apostles. Let us love their faith, their lives, their labours, their sufferings, their confession of faith, their preaching."

St. Leo the Great writes, "There must be general rejoicing, dearly beloved, over this holy company whom God has appointed to give us example in patience and strengthen our faith. But we glory even more in the excellence of Peter and Paul, whom the grace of God has raised to such a height among all the members of the Church that he has set them like twin lights of eyes in that body whose head is Christ."

And happy anniversary to all those who are celebrating special occasions at this time. 

The late Pope Francis, in a June 2014 homily on Peter and Paul, and particularly addressing priests whose anniversaries are around that time of this feast, he says, "In today's feast the Lord repeats to me, to you, what he first said to the Apostles, and especially to Sts. Peter and Paul, follow me."

"Waste no time in questioning or useless chattering. Do not dwell on secondary things, but look to what is essential and follow me. Follow me without regard for the difficulties."

"Follow me in preaching the gospel. Follow me by the witness of a life shaped by the grace you received in baptism and holy orders. Follow me by speaking of me to those with whom you live day after day, in your work, your conversations, and among your friends."

"Follow me by proclaiming the gospel to all, especially to the least among us, so that no one will fail to hear the word of life, which sets us free from every fear and enables us to trust in the faithfulness of God. Follow me. So this is a wonderful feast day."

It's a wonderful genius, too, from God, to inspire a two-fold celebration of these two Apostles on the same day. It shows both unity and cooperation, a single vision, one serving the communion and care of the universal church, the other a wonderful voice of mission and inclusion, a perfect balance. Let's pray for the unity and peace of the church and the world.

Let's unite in a common vision and united action. Let's be inspired by the diverse talents and areas of focus of the mission, but guided by the same spirit that leads and guides us to bear much fruit. We also pray in thanksgiving and blessing for all priests, many of whom have their anniversary of priesthood at this time.

May God continue to strengthen and guide and bless their ministry with much fruitfulness and clarity. These wonderful Apostles, Saint Peter and Saint Paul, continue to intercede for the church and the world for continuing unity, charity, courage, and vision. 

Saint Peter and Saint Paul, pray for us.

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References:

Fr. Paul W. Kelly
 
Quotes: https://anastpaul.com/2018/06/29/quote-s-of-the-day-29-june-the-solemnity-of-saints-peter-and-paul/

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed stock photo ID: 41136337. Icon of saint Apostles Paul and Peter on mahogany and gold. By Dmitry Kalinovsky
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Archive of homilies and reflections:  http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email:  paulwkelly68@gmail.com

To listen to our weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here:  https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks

Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:
"Faith, Hope and Love - Christian worship and reflection"  - Led by Rev Paul Kelly

Prayers and chants  — Roman Missal, 3rd edition, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy. (ICEL)

Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989,  and 2009 by the NCC-USA. (National Council of Churches of Christ - USA)

"The Psalms" ©1963, 2009,  The Grail - Collins publishers.

Prayers of the Faithful -   " Together we pray" by Robert Borg'.   E.J. Dwyer, Publishers, (1993) . (Sydney Australia).

Sung "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" -  By Jeffrey M. Ostrowski. The Gloria, Copyright © 2011 ccwatershed.org.

- "Faith, Hope and Love" theme hymn - in memory of William John (Bill) Kelly (1942-2017) -  Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

"Quiet Time."  Instrumental Reflection music. Written by Paul W Kelly. 1988, 2007. & This arrangement: Stefan Kelk, 2020.

- "Today I Arise" - For Trisha J Kelly.  Original words and music by Paul W. Kelly. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer.  Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

[ Production -  KER -  2025]

May God bless and keep you.