Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

The Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, celebrated on November 9th, commemorates the dedication of the cathedral church of Rome, the Basilica of St. John Lateran, to Our Savior. This basilica, often referred to as the “mother and head of all churches of Rome and the world,” holds a special significance because it is the episcopal seat of the Pope, the Bishop of Rome. The original church on this site was consecrated in 324 AD by Pope Sylvester I, following Emperor Constantine’s Edict of Milan, which granted religious freedom to Christians. Throughout its history, the basilica has undergone several reconstructions due to damage from wars, fires, and earthquakes. Despite being dedicated to St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, the feast emphasizes the basilica’s role as the spiritual home for Roman Catholics worldwide.