Today we celebrate the solemnity of these two great saints, Peter and Paul. The Preface of today\’s Mass says it best: \”Peter, foremost in confessing the faith, / Paul, its outstanding preacher, / Peter, who established the early Church from the remnant of Israel, / Paul, master and teacher of the Gentiles that you call.\” Two saints, so different, so complementary, both so needed in today\’s world!
People sometimes ask, \”How do you celebrate a solemnity? What makes it different?\” Our main celebration is liturgical, with Mass and singing of the Liturgy of the Hours for the day. But there are usually other little signs that make the day special. One example is that we have a little treat for meals. Sr. Marie Augustine made a special fruit plate for today\’s dinner (or lunch, as you may refer to it!).
Sister has several different kinds of fruit here: cantaloupe, honeydew melon, watermelon, and pineapple. We usually have fruit of some kind at our meals but it\’s not usually this fancy!
A solemnity is a day to meditate on the saint (or on our Lord or the Blessed Virgin) and pray for a deeper conversion, to imitate those who have gone before us in faith. But it\’s also a day to celebrate our faith and give thanks for all the graces we have been given. Saints Peter and Paul give us a lot to ponder, pray over, and celebrate today!
Dominican Life on Lotus Lane 