June 29 is the solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. A feast of Christian origin, born to celebrate the two "pillars" of the Church which - in reality - were very different from each other. Why precisely the 29nd June? Because that day falls on the anniversary of their death, or the translation of the relics (depending on the interpretation that is given). What is certain is that June 29 is a public holiday in Ticino. And that in Italy the celebrations begin the previous evening.
Saints Peter and Paul, the origin of their feast
According to what the Church tells, the June 29, 67 AD Saints Peter Paul and were martyred in Rome. Nero's persecutions were ongoing, and Christians were victims of it. This is what we read in the Roman Martyrology, in the Synaxaries of the Eastern Churches and in the Decretum Gelasianum (which, dated XNUMXth century, is a document rich in religious notions). It is said that Peter was crucified upside down, And that Paul was beheaded. If the events then occurred on the same day, there is no certainty. Indeed: historical sources speak of killings that took place between 64 and 67 AD, without specifying the date. This is the reason why it is thought that, on June 29, it is rather born from the need for convert a pagan holiday into a Christian holiday (a very common custom). In fact, June 29 is the feast of Romulus and Remus. If they founded Rome, that's it Peter and Paul founded Christian Rome.
The story of two exceptional saints
Peterin fact, Simone was born. He then changed his name when - together with his brother Andrew - he chose to follow Jesus. And it was Jesus himself who wanted him as successor, as the foundation of the Church and as guide of the "flock of God" (as we read in the Bible). After Jesus' death, Peter became the point of reference for disciples and apostles. However, it was more "human" than we think. Just think that when Jesus said he could walk on water, he didn't believe it. Then, the "fisher of men”(He was in fact a fisherman, on whose boat Jesus went up to preach) he was conquered by Jesus. So much so that, sword in hand, he tried to defend Christ from the guards who came to arrest him (although he would then deny him three times). There is also one legend, on the figure of Peter. In fact, it is said that, while he was trying to escape from Rome to escape Nero's persecutions, Jesus appeared to him. He asked him: "Quo vadis? " and, at the answer of the Lord who claimed to return to Rome to die again, the apostle turned back. Going to meet his fate.
It was Peter himself who chose to be crucified upside down, as not worthy of being killed in the same way as his Messiah. St. Paulinstead, he was originally called Saul of Tarsus. And, although it is considered the first Missionary of Jesus, he never met him in person. "L'Apostle of the Gentiles“, They called him, where gentiles meant the pagans. Aristocrat, he was the first theologian of Christianity. Although originally the pagans persecuted them. Converted to the Damascus road, its remains are now in the Basilica of San Paolo Fuori le Mura. An "imperfection", his and that of Peter, which well explain the love that the Christian Church has for them. Why are they celebrated together? Because both, albeit not together, spread the Gospel message.
Photo source Pieter Paul Rubens (Public Domain) and Simone Martini (Public domain)
