In many countries, today's feast is a holy day of obligation, even when it doesn't fall on Sunday. This means that today's gathering of God's people is so important that it is often considered mandatory. Today is so special because:

• Peter was the Rock on which Jesus built His Church (Mt 16:18).
• Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles (Gal 2:7).
• Both Peter and Paul were martyrs.
• Both of these saints continue to be in communion with us by praying for us and ministering to us.

If God has His way, each of us and the whole Christian community will be different after today's community celebration. We will be more holy. Many Christians will be freed from the chains of sin, addiction, and fear (see Acts 12:6-7). Many evils will be bound, and many graces loosed (Mt 16:19). Thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions will give their lives to Jesus and receive salvation. Today, countless throngs throughout the world will receive the fullness of the Spirit. Of course, every day is a day of grace, but the Lord has chosen some days to be even more significant (see Sir 33:7-9). "This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it" (Ps 118:24). Alleluia!

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, November 12, 1996

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 10, 1996