Rome’s Four Major Basilicas
I recently had the opportunity to lead a pilgrimage to Rome, Italy. In preparation for the pilgrimage, I was able to create the itinerary. Rome is one of my favorite cities in the world, with endless places to explore, yet I knew the most important on the list to visit would be the four major papal basilicas of Rome.
Saint Peter’s, Saint Paul Outside the Wall, Saint Mary Major, and the Lateran Basilica, also known as Saint John Lateran (the dedication of which we celebrate today), are considered among the most extraordinary places in the world. The history of each basilica is profound and beautiful (I love this detailed website that explains each). Aside from housing Jesus in the Eucharist and being places of worship, some would claim that the importance lies in the architecture and artwork. And though these characteristics are phenomenal in all four, I placed these four basilicas on our itinerary for a much different reason.
An Opportunity For Grace
The Church in the Manual of Indulgences teaches that, “A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who visit, and there devoutly recite an Our Father and the Creed, one of the four Patriarchal Basilicas in Rome, either as part of a group making a pilgrimage to the basilica, or at least with the purpose of expressing during the visit filial submission to the Roman Pontiff.” I knew it was incredibly important to do my utmost to offer an opportunity for each pilgrim to visit these basilicas and strive to receive this indulgence.
How Can We Celebrate?
Today, on the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome, which is the pope’s cathedral, the majority of us will not be in Rome visiting this great basilica that was consecrated on this date in the year 324. So, how can we celebrate? How can we participate in this grace-filled day? I propose that we, the faithful, look to the words of the Manual of Indulgences that we just read, as a guide. If we are able to, let us visit a church today, and recite an Our Father and the Creed for Our Holy Father, Pope Francis.
For the Temple of God, Which You Are, Is Holy
In today’s Second Reading, we hear Saint Paul telling us that we “are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9). Let us lay a strong foundation—a foundation of prayer, a foundation of hope, a foundation of charity—with Jesus Christ as our cornerstone. Throughout the centuries, fire and earthquake have repeatedly ravaged the structure of Saint John Lateran. Yet each time, it has been rebuilt—beautifully strong, for Him. May we, too, be rebuilt in love by the Humble Carpenter Himself.
Claire Couche is a wife, etiquette instructor, blogger, homeschooling mother, and registered nurse. She is passionate about sharing content that helps her community live a beautiful and virtuous life. Using her degrees in theology and history, Claire shares about the Catholic faith often on her IG account @findingphilothea and her website, Finding Philothea. You can often find her reading a good book in a beautiful dress! Learn more about Claire and all things etiquette here.
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