Gospel in Art: Dedication of the Basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul

Interior of St Paul Outside the Walls, highlighting the 'Medallions of the Popes' © Alamy

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 18 November 2024
Luke 18:35-43

As Jesus drew near to Jericho there was a blind man sitting at the side of the road begging.

When he heard the crowd going past he asked what it was all about, and they told him that Jesus the Nazarene was passing by. So he called out, 'Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.'

The people in front scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he shouted all the louder, 'Son of David, have pity on me.'

Jesus stopped and ordered them to bring the man to him, and when he came up, asked him, 'What do you want me to do for you?' 'Sir,' he replied 'let me see again.' Jesus said to him, 'Receive your sight. Your faith has saved you.'

And instantly his sight returned and he followed him praising God, and all the people who saw it gave praise to God for what had happened.

Reflection on the Basilicas

Today's feast commemorates the dedication of two of the most significant basilicas in Rome, honouring Saints Peter and Paul, the foundational figures of the Church and its missionary work. The origins of the basilicas of St Peter and St Paul date back to the 4th century, during the reign of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. Constantine was the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity and played a pivotal role in its spread. He ordered the construction of major Christian sites in Rome, including these two basilicas, as public markers of the faith. St Peter's Basilica was built over the tomb of St Peter. St Paul's Basilica, also known as St Paul Outside the Walls, was constructed outside the original city walls of Rome on the site where St Paul was buried.

The original St Peter's Basilica was completed around 360 AD but eventually deteriorated. In the 16th century, Pope Julius II commissioned a new basilica to be built on the same site. Pope Julius II enlisted some of the era's most talented architects and artists to design and build the basilica. Donato Bramante was the first to provide a design, proposing a Greek cross layout with a grand central dome. Following his death, other artists, including Raphael, Michelangelo, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, contributed to the project over the decades. Michelangelo, in particular, played a pivotal role as he took over the design in 1547 and created the now-famous dome, which remains one of the most recognizable architectural features of the basilica. St. Peter's Basilica was ultimately completed in 1626.

St. Paul Outside the Walls also underwent a major reconstruction after a devastating fire in 1823, which nearly destroyed all of the original basilica which had stood there also since the 4th century. Following the fire, Pope Leo XII and successive popes oversaw a meticulous rebuilding process. The basilica was rebuilt to closely resemble the original, with its grand nave, towering arches, and integrating the early Christian mosaics that survived the fire. The new structure was completed in 1840. The Benedictine monks' presence at St. Paul Outside the Walls dates back to the 9th century. Their centuries-old presence contributes to the contemplative atmosphere of St. Paul Outside the Walls. When I was training for the priesthood opposite St Paul's, at the Beda college, I often went into St Paul's to pray, a beautiful place of monastic prayer.

Our photo shows the interior of St Paul Outside the Walls. You will notice straight above the arched supports, a row of mosaic medallions including portraits. These medallions depict all the popes from St Peter to the current Pope. It commemorates the continuity of the papacy thought the last 2,000 years. From St Peter to Pope Francis, there have been 266 popes in the history of the Catholic Church.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-18-35-43-2024/