Did you know that St. Peter’s Basilica is NOT the Pope’s cathedral? The true cathedral of Rome is the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, known as the “Mother and Head of All Churches in Rome and the World”! In this fascinating teaching, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, reveals the remarkable history of Christianity’s oldest major basilica, dedicated to the Most Holy Savior and honoring St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist. Discover why this sacred church served as the papal residence for nearly a thousand years, why the Pope’s cathedral chair is located here, and how visiting this extraordinary basilica can be connected to the gift of a plenary indulgence under the Church’s prescribed conditions.

But why does the Catholic Church celebrate the dedication of a building with such a special feast on November 9? Because St. John Lateran represents something far greater than stone walls: the Church as the Mystical Body of Christ, built of living stones—you and me! Fr. Chris explains how this beautiful celebration reveals the mystery of God's dwelling among His people, the unity of the universal Catholic Church, and Jesus Christ as its true foundation. Discover why the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica is one of the Church’s most meaningful celebrations and what it teaches us about our identity as God's living temple!
Readings for November 9th 2026: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110926.cfm

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