A Message from Father Nathan
My dearest people who are all close to my heart
Lots of love, blessings, and prayers to you all.
the Feast Day of Sts. Peter and Paul
Patron saints of Rome and are considered the cornerstones of the Church
This celebration is a liturgical feast in honor of the martyrdom in Rome of the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul and is observed on June 29th.
On June 29th, the Church celebrates the Feast Day of Sts. Peter and Paul. As early as the year 258, There is evidence of an already lengthy tradition of celebrating the solemnities of both Saint Peter and Saint Paul on the same day.
Together, the two saints are the founders of the City of Rome, through their preaching, ministry, and martyrdom there. I was reminded of my seminary days when on this day we usually would have a seminar or symposium of something regarding the church or church-related documents. For a full day, we were given abundant knowledge and teachings on the church. What a wonderful memory I still have!
St Peter
St. Peter was the first Pope and founder of the Roman Catholic Church. St. Paul was responsible for much of the New Testament and is one of the most important Apostles who spread the teachings of Jesus and Christianity. In fact, 13 of the 27 books of the New Testament are attributed to St. Paul.
Peter, who was named Simon, was a fisherman of Galilee and was introduced to the Lord Jesus by his brother Andrew also a fisherman. Jesus gave him the name Cephas (Petrus in Latin), which means “Rock” because he was to become the rock upon which Christ would build His Church.
Peter was a bold follower of the Lord. He was the first to recognize that Jesus was “the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” and eagerly pledged his fidelity until death. In his boldness, he also made many mistakes, such as losing faith when walking on water with Christ and betraying the Lord on the night of His passion. Yet despite his human weaknesses, Peter was chosen to shepherd God’s flock.
The Acts of the Apostles illustrate his role as head of the Church after the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ. Peter led the Apostles as the first Pope and ensured the disciples kept their true faith.
St. Peter martyred
St. Peter was said to have been martyred around 64 A.D. during the reign of Emperor Nero. His death was by crucifixion since he was not a Roman citizen. Considering himself unworthy to die in the same way that Jesus did, he requested that he be crucified upside down. He was buried in what was to become the Vatican Necropolis and St. Peter’s Basilica was built over his tomb.
He was given “the keys to Paradise” – the attribute of his authority and those of his successors who are destined to maintain the Church on the path of truth and unity.
St. Paul martyred
St. Paul was said to also have been martyred during this time as well. He was beheaded and buried in Rome outside the walls. Although the church recognizes that they may not have died on the same day, tradition says that this is the day they were both martyred in Rome by Emperor Nero.
God bless you all.
With lots of love and blessings,
Ever wanting to be faithful to your service,
— Fr. Sahayanathan Nathan
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Past Messages from Father Nathan
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | January 10, 2021
Together, We Are the Church. A universal body of believers, delivering God’s message of hope and love to everyone, everywhere. Your generosity to the Archbishop’s Charity and Development Drive, ABCD, serves the Church so that the Church can serve you.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | January 3, 2021
Happy New Year. Goodbye, 2020. Hello, 2021. We have all experienced a most unusual year. Our lives have had to adjust to never-ending uncertainties that shake our personal and public lives. We have witnessed a shutdown in our thoughts and actions all over the world…
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | December 20, 2020
Merry Christmas to You! “JOY TO THE WORLD” Fourth Advent of Sunday. In this season…when the people were all tired, worried, concerned, and waiting with lots of perplexities, the Lord incarnated Himself and opened up a new world of love to His people.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | November 15, 2020
Peace and happiness are like a light within each of our hearts. I believe and trust that It’s ONE of the gifts from God. It’s purely a gift from the Holy Spirit. It is light – that always glows and intensifies.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | November 1, 2020
On November 2nd we are going to celebrate All Souls Day. This is a holy day set aside for honoring the dead. The day is primarily celebrated in the Catholic Church, but it is also celebrated in the Eastern Orthodox Church as well as a few other denominations of Christianity.
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | October 25, 2020
Every week as we profess our faith, we express… “I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic
Church and THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS.” The author of this letter to the Hebrews wrote. “Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and the perfecter of faith.” (12.1-2)