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The Chair of Peter

Fr. Russell Becker, O.F.M.

In St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, there is a small bronze statue of St. Peter seated in a chair. It is an object of great devotion to those who visit the basilica. The feet of the statue have been worn down and are shiny from people going by, saying a prayer and touching the statue as a sign of devotion. It is appropriate to the place since Tradition tells us that the basilica is built over the tomb of St. Peter. He, along with Paul, is considered the founder of the Roman Church.

On February 22, a special feast is celebrated in honor of St. Peter, remembering him as the first Bishop of Rome. The feast is called the Chair of Peter. The feast has had an interesting history and application throughout the centuries. It is a good example of how cultural adaptation operated in the early Church, how different local churches exchanged feasts and a good vision of apostolic ministry.


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