Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s sculpture, “The Throne of St. Peter,” in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, is adorned with candles Feb. 22, the feast of the Chair of St. Peter. The annual feast day marks the role the saint and his successors as head of the Church. CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING
The Chair of St. Peter and our baptism
BY DCN. JAY W. VANHOOSIER, OFFICE OF FAITH FORMATION
The Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, celebrated on February 22, holds deep significance for the Catholic Church, as it emphasizes the authority and spiritual leadership of the Apostle Peter and his successors, the popes. This feast honors the unity of the Church under the pope’s leadership, symbolized by the “chair” or “cathedra,” a sign of the teaching authority entrusted to Peter by Christ. At its heart, the feast is a reminder of Christ’s promise to Peter in Matthew 16:18: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.”
This celebration of Peter’s unique role resonates deeply with the promises made by every Catholic during baptism. At baptism, Catholics renounce sin and affirm their belief in Christ, the Church, and the communion of saints. They pledge to live as members of Christ’s body, the Church, embracing the call to holiness, discipleship, and evangelization. These baptismal promises are renewed yearly at the Easter Vigil and every time Catholics participate in sacramental life, serving as a constant reminder of their identity in Christ.
There is an intrinsic connection between the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter and these baptismal promises. The feast highlights the importance of unity and fidelity to the teachings of Christ, handed down through the apostles, particularly Peter, and safeguarded by his successors. Just as Peter received the mandate to “strengthen [his] brothers” (Luke 22:32) and lead the flock of Christ, baptized Catholics are called to remain steadfast in their commitment to the teachings of the Church, trusting in the guidance of the pope, who holds the Petrine office.
The promises made at baptism, including the rejection of Satan and the embrace of the faith as expressed in the Creed, reflect the need for obedience to the Church’s magisterium. Peter and his successors are tasked with preserving and teaching the truth of the faith, and Catholics, through their baptismal promises, express their intention to follow that truth. As members of the body of Christ, Catholics are not independent believers but are incorporated into a community that remains in communion with the teachings of Christ, as upheld by the pope and the bishops.
Furthermore, the connection between the Chair of St. Peter and baptism is deeply rooted in the sacrament’s call to mission. Baptism makes each person a participant in the life and mission of the Church. Just as Peter was called to be a “fisher of men” (Matthew 4:19), every baptized Catholic is called to spread the Gospel and contribute to the building up of the Church. The pope, as the visible head of the Church, provides leadership and guidance, encouraging the faithful to live out their baptismal promises by sharing the faith, serving the poor, and promoting justice.
The Feast of the Chair of St. Peter serves as a reminder of the unity and authority of the Church, which every Catholic enters into through the sacrament of baptism. Through the baptismal promises, Catholics affirm their commitment to the teachings of the Church, entrusted to Peter and his successors. This feast highlights the call to follow Christ, remain faithful to His teachings, and live out the mission given to each believer at baptism—to be witnesses of the faith in a world that needs the light of the Gospel.
Dcn. Jay W. VanHoosier is the Director of Faith Formation for the Diocese of Owensboro. For more information visit owensborodiocese.org/faith-formation, email [email protected] or call (270) 852-8324.
Originally printed in the February 2025 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
