Dear brothers and sisters in Christ:

This Sunday we celebrate the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Pope’s cathedral and a visible sign of the unity of the Church.

This basilica bears an ancient inscription that summarizes its profound meaning: Omnium urbis et orbis Ecclesiarum mater et caput “Mother and head of all the churches of the city and of the world.”

These words remind us that the Basilica of St. John Lateran is not merely a historical building, but a symbol of the communion of all Christian communities with the Successor of Peter.

Every church, large or small, expresses this same faith: we are one Body in Christ, living stones of the spiritual temple that is the Church. “Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house.” (1 Peter 2:5)

May this feast renew in us our love for the Church and our commitment to be living signs of unity, faith, and charity within our community.

Rev. Julio Fernandez