Today we interrupt our usual flow of Sundays to celebrate the dedication of one of the oldest Christian churches. When the Roman Emperor Constantine in 313 granted Christians the freedom to practise their faith publicly, he sparked the building of many Christian churches across the Roman Empire. Constantine himself also constructed churches, one of which was a magnificent basilica on the site of the ancient Lateran Palace, which Pope Sylvester I dedicated to Christ the Saviour in 324. There are now four major basilicas in Rome, the oldest & most important of which is St John Lateran. Although the Pope now lives next to St Peter’s Basilica, St John Lateran is the official Cathedral of Rome. Indeed, as the Latin inscription on the front of the church says, it is: “The Mother and Head of all churches of the city and of the world”.

As we honour this Mother Church of the whole world, we are invited to reflect on the importance of every church building and of the Church herself. A church is ‘holy ground’ because it is dedicated to the worship of God, and because it hosts the living presence of God in the Eucharist and sacraments, and indeed in God’s people who gather together in that place. Our churches exist to be places where we come to encounter God and grow together as disciples of Jesus Christ. Let’s pray for our own community here at Our Lady of Fatima that we may be ever more dedicated to God in our daily lives and in our shared journey of faith. Let’s also pray for Pope Leo, for the strength, faith and courage he needs to lead the Church today. And in a particular way let’s pray for Cardinal Vincent who celebrates his 80th birthday this weekend. He was ordained a priest in 1969, and became Archbishop of Westminster in 2009. He has given great service to the Church in our diocese, country and beyond for most of his life – a life fully dedicated to God. Let’s pray for Cardinal Vincent & for each other. May we truly be a living Church!

With blessings & prayers, Fr Richard, Fr Ephrem & the parish team.
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