On November 9, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the pope’s cathedral and the “mother church” of the world. 
Though it’s unusual to honor a building, this feast points us beyond its walls to the heart of our faith: the authority of the Chair of Peter, symbolizing the unity and apostolic foundation of the Church. 
Though it’s unusual to honor a building, this feast points us beyond its walls to the heart of our faith: the authority of the Chair of Peter, symbolizing the unity and apostolic foundation of the Church. This celebration also reminds us that the Church is not just a physical structure but a living, spiritual reality. The Basilica of St. John Lateran stands as a sign of our communion with Christ and one another, calling us to be united as one body. 
Its ancient walls have witnessed centuries of faith, serving as a beacon of hope and a reminder of our mission to be a holy, universal, and apostolic people. 
Its ancient walls have witnessed centuries of faith, serving as a beacon of hope and a reminder of our mission to be a holy, universal, and apostolic people. Like St. John Lateran, we too are temples of God. 
St. Paul reminds us that we are holy, and Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple highlights the reverence we owe to God’s dwelling place, whether in a sacred building or within ourselves. 
St. Paul reminds us that we are holy, and Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple highlights the reverence we owe to God’s dwelling place, whether in a sacred building or within ourselves. 
