Chair of Saint Peter

You can probably already tell that the Saint Peter’s Basilica is dedicated to Saint Peter. Saint Peter was probably one of the Jesus’ more colorful apostles. It can be said that Saint Peter is someone we should be able to relate to with all the stories about his weakness, his forgiveness by Jesus and subsequent martyrdom. It is said that Jesus handed over the keys of heaven to Saint Peter and perhaps symbolically, he also became the first leader of the Vhristian church, the first Pope. He and Saint Paul then became very active preachers in their day and was martyred in Rome. It is thus very fitting that the largest church in the world is dedicated to Saint Peter, although not the seat of the Catholic church is it one of four papal basilicas. Although I knew that the basilica was decided to Saint Peter, I didn’t know much of Saint Peter was actually here.

As I was walking around the massive basilica. I couldn’t help but be drawn to one of the more remarkable features of the church. I didn’t really know what it was at the time but I was drawn to it because of the design of the structure. It was way off limits to visitors, maybe it is open during services but I don’t really know. There was a bright spot which probably symbolizes the body of Christ surrounded by angels. All I know was it was remarkably beautiful. Little did I know of the significance of this place. This is the Cathedra Petri or Chair of Saint Peter. Apparently, a relic of Saint Peter, the chair which he supposedly used is enshrined here. However, it is said the actual chair doesn’t seem to date to the time of Saint Peter, but two centuries later. The chair is also in bad condition and reportedly unrestorable. I didn’t get to see the actual chair, I don’t know if it is viewable either. I guess that is beside the point now. This place is symbolic of the seat of Saint Peter and thus the seat of the church.

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