Online Church: @Our Lady of Africa Church Mbuya today, November 11, 2025

FEAST OF THE DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA IN ROME 

Scripture Readings
- First Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12

- Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9.
- Gospel Reading:  John 2:13-22

Reflection:

 -The Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica is a significant celebration in the Catholic Church, marking the dedication of the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome.
- History: The original basilica was built in 324 AD during the reign of Emperor Constantine.
- Significance: It's considered the mother church of all Catholic churches and the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome (POPE).
- Celebration: The feast day is observed on November 9, commemorating the dedication of the basilica.
- Importance: It's a celebration of the church's role in Catholicism and its connection to the papacy.

-The Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica commemorates the consecration of Rome's cathedral church in 324 AD by Pope Sylvester I. Originally dedicated to Christ the Savior, it was later rededicated to St. John the Baptist in the 9th century and to St. John the Evangelist in the 12th century, becoming known as the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran. The feast has been celebrated annually on November 9th since the 12th century and highlights the importance of the church as the "Mother and Head of all Churches", representing the continuity of papal authority and the Catholic Church's unity. 

Original Dedication: The basilica was built on the site of the ancient Lateran Palace and consecrated in 324 AD by Pope Sylvester I, making it the first major Christian basilica and the first cathedral of the Bishop of Rome.

Later Rededications: St. John the Baptist: In the 9th century, Pope Sergius III rededicated the basilica to St. John the Baptist.
St. John the Evangelist: Pope Lucius II added St. John the Evangelist as a co-patron in the 12th century.

The Feast: The anniversary of the dedication was first observed as a feast in the 12th century. The feast was extended to the universal Church after a major reconstruction was completed in 1650 under Pope Innocent X, as noted by Comboni2000.

Significance: The feast celebrates the symbolic and spiritual role of the Lateran Basilica as the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome, the "Mother Church of all churches," and the location of the Pope's official seat, or cathedra. It serves as a reminder of apostolic succession and the unity of the universal Church.