Saints Peter and Paul
by Paul Turner

That Saints Peter and Paul suffered martyrdom under persecutions in Rome is virtually certain. The legends about their death lack historical proof, but they make a great story:

CFire broke out in Rome in 64 A.D. under Nero, the emperor- violinist. Housing and places of amusement were destroyed. The people grew angry at Nero, who blamed the Christians for the blaze and persecuted them. To placate the people in their continuing distress, Nero ordered the death of Christianityþs two greatest leaders, Peter and Paul, in the year 67.

When Peter heard about the growing persecutions, he fled Rome. But he saw a vision of Jesus walking back toward the city of Rome. "Where are you going?" Peter asked. ("Quo vadis?") "To Rome, to be crucified again," Jesus mournfully replied. Peter, knowing he had to follow his master, turned about and went back to the city.

On the day of their execution, Peter and Paul met. Paul had been in prison in Rome, under house arrest. Since he was a Roman citizen he avoided the kind of death which awaited Peter -- crucifixion in the city. Paul was to be beheaded outside the city walls. On June 29, Peter and Paul embraced on the Ostian Way. Peter marched north toward the public arena; Paul marched south outside the city gate. When Paul was beheaded, his head bounced three times. A spring of water gushed forth at each place. (The monastery of the three fountains stands on the site today. The residents make chocolate.) Since the main civic arena had been destroyed in the fire, Peter was crucified in a makeshift location. Claiming he was not worthy to be killed like his master, he was turned upside down on the cross. After he died, his body was buried in a pauper's grave. That grave is the sight of the Vatican.

On June 29 we celebrate the apostle of the Jews and the apostle of the Gentiles. Together they brought the message of Christ to the world. So significant is their feast that in some countries it is a holy day of obligation. In the United States, when the feast falls on Sunday, it takes the place of the usual ordinary time liturgy. It helps us celebrate our mission to bring Christ to the world, no matter the cost.

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Paul Turner, pastor of St. Munchin Parish in Cameron, MO, holds a doctorate in sacramental theology from Sant' Anselmo University in Rome.