This weekend we celebrate the inspiring Solemnity of the Apostles Sts. Peter and Paul. On the façade of the North American College in Rome, there is an inscription that reads: “O Felix Roma, est consecrata cum sanguine duorum principi.” This inscription translates: “O’ happy Rome, who is consecrated with the blood of two princes.” We are all familiar with the heroic lives of both St. Peter and St. Paul. We are equally familiar with how both of these courageous leaders offered their lives by shedding their blood in witnessing about Christ. Yes, the city of Rome, and in fact, the entire world has been consecrated by the blood of countless martyrs who gave witness to their faith. It certainly begs the question; how well do we witness our faith? In other words, are we courageous in the manner by which we live out our faith?
We may not be called to shed our blood for what we believe, however, we are called to live our faith unashamedly. We can give witness to our faith with simple gestures and actions. For instance, when we pass in front of a Church, we can make the sign of the Cross showing reverence for Christ in the Tabernacle. At meals, whether at home or in a restaurant, we can say grace. As a police car, fire engine or ambulance passes by with lights and sirens, we can pause and say a Hail Mary for safety and well-being. At noon time, we can pause regardless of where we find ourselves and pray the Angelus. These are just a few simple, yet impactful ways we can live our faith in private and in public. In this way, the city in which we live will be consecrated by our witness to the faith.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Fr. Wayne