November 8, 2012. (Romereports.com) On November 9th the Catholic Church celebrates the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran located in Rome. During the angelus of November 9, 2008, Benedict XVI explained why this day is celebrated throughout the world.
BENEDICTO XVI (November 9, 2008) "This Basilica was the first to be built after the Edict of the Emperor Constantine who, in 313, conceded to Christians the freedom to practice their religion. The same Emperor gave Pope Miltiades the ancient estate of the Laterani family and had the Basilica, the Baptistery and the Patriarchate built for him, the latter being the Bishop of Rome's residence, where Popes resided until the Avignon era. (...)
This occasion initially only involved the city of Rome; then, from 1565 onwards, it extended to the entire Church of the Roman rite. Hence, honouring the holy building is meant as an expression of love and veneration for the Roman Church "which", as St Ignatius of Antioch affirms, "presides in charity" over the entire Catholic communion."
November 8, 2012. (Romereports.com) On November 9th the Catholic Church celebrates the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran located in Rome. During the angelus of November 9, 2008, Benedict XVI explained why this day is celebrated throughout the world.
