Letter from the Pastor
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November 9, 2025
Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, Lithograph, 1825
Why are we celebrating the dedication of a Church in Rome? Because as is inscribed on the Church facade for all to see are the Latin words “Omnium Urbis et Orbis Ecclesiarum Mater et Caput,” meaning, “The mother and head of all the churches of the city and of the world.” St. John Lateran Basilica in Rome is considered the mother church of all the Catholic churches in the world.
© Marie-Lan Nguyen / Wikimedia Commons
The Church has a long history, beginning in first century Rome. When Constantine legalized Christianity in 312–313 AD, he made it possible for Christians to worship publicly for the first time. The Basilica today is the same size as the one Constantine built in the 4th century—it can accommodate up to 5,000 people.
Constantine himself constructed churches, one of which was a magnificent basilica on the Caelian Hill in Rome, over the ancient Lateran Palace. Pope Sylvester I dedicated the Church to Christ the Savior. A chapel dedicated to Saint John the Baptist was built inside it which served as the baptistry. This moved Pope Sergius III to dedicate it to Saint John the Baptist as well. Lastly, Pope Lucius II also dedicated it to Saint John the Evangelist in the 12th century. Thus, the name of this Papal Basilica is the Basilica of the Most Holy Savior and of Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist in the Lateran. In the course of the centuries, the church was destroyed several times, but always rebuilt. The final reconstruction took place and was rededicated November 9, 1724.
When Constantine asked Pope Sylvester how big a temple he wanted, Pope Sylvester replied, “How big can you build it?”—it was revolutionary. The idea that people would participate in worship was new. St. John Lateran was the first place built for public Christian worship in Rome. The building of St. John Lateran was a mark of religious freedom. Christians could now worship God freely and without fear and in a church of their own. After 300 years of terrible persecution, what joy those early Christians must have experienced.
This feast day reminds us of our Catholic history, and to remember, as the Pope is our universal pastor, the Lateran is our universal church. Very early in his pontificate, each new pope goes to St. John Lateran and officially takes possession of his cathedra, the seat of his teaching authority.
It is a magnificent Church with great pieces of art and sculpture, but one of the unique parts of the church are the four bronze pillars at the altar of the Blessed Sacrament. These tall bronze pillars were given by Constantine and have a rich history. In 44 BC, Augustus became heir to Julius Caesar. After defeating Mark Antony and Cleopatra’s navy, Augustus confiscated their ships, removed all the bronze from the bows, melted them down and formed four pillars placed in the Temple of Jupiter. These pillars symbolized the birth of the Roman Empire. Constantine gave these pillars to St. John Lateran to make a similar statement for the Church: a new era began. Christianity is no longer a secret religion; it is now public, which will change the world.
St. Margaret’s Parishioners need you!
Do you have a strong voice, a pleasant smile, and a warm and welcoming personality? Do you like to visit people in their homes? Do you like taking money from people? We need you!
Our parish needs readers at Mass, ushers to welcome people to Mass and take up the collection; we need people who would like to bring Holy Communion to the homebound. We are so grateful to our dedicated ministers. Over time, some have moved away or retired or finished their earthly journey. We need to replace them.
We will work with you and your busy schedule, if you attend a certain Mass each week, you can serve at that Mass, or if your child is an altar server, we can assign you as a family
(a beautiful witness). I know there a number of teachers in the parish; you would be ideal to read.
We will have training sessions in late November and early December.
If you would like to help, please call the Parish Center or see one of the priests after Mass.