Newsletter August 23rd 2020 (21st Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Above the sanctuary of Saint Peter’s basilica in Rome, written in huge lettering of gold mosaic, is this promise of Jesus to his chief apostle: “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.. I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.” These words are held by Catholics as the basis for the papacy, applying to the bishop of Rome as the successor to Peter, to be the chief spokesman for the church’s living faith, and wielder of the spiritual power of the keys.