Holy Apostles. We cannot separate them. They are the two pillars of the Church and Tradition has never celebrated one without the other. The Roman Church is the Church of Peter and Paul.
Peter was Galilean, recognized by his accent, a fisherman living in Capernaum on the shores of Lake Tiberias. Paul was a Jew of the diaspora, from Tarsus in Asia Minor, but a Pharisee and, what is most original, a Roman citizen.
Both will see their lives turned upside down by the arrival of a man who says to them: “Follow me. Your name will be Peter.” or “Saul, why do you persecute me?” Simon, who has become Peter, leaves his nets and his wife to follow the rabbi. Saul, who has become Paul, puts himself at the disposal of the apostles.
Peter receives from the Holy Spirit the revelation of the mystery hidden since the foundation of the world: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Paul, delighted to heaven, hears words that cannot be repeated with human words.
Peter denies when his master is arrested, but he comes back: “Lord, you know everything, you know well that I love you.”
Paul, persecutor of the first Christians, gives himself to Christ: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”
Peter is given the charge of shepherding the flock of the Church: “You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church.”
Paul becomes the apostle of the pagans. For the Master, Peter will die crucified and Paul beheaded.
Slideshow on the Apostles
