Dedication of Saint John Lateran

<p>Today is the anniversary of the dedication of the cathedral church of Rome by Pope Sylvester I in 324. Originally known as the Archbasilica of the Most Holy Saviour, this church is called St John Lateran because it was built on property owned by the Laterani family and given to the Church. It was served by monks from the monastery of St John the Baptist and St John the Divine.</p>
<p>This church is the <em>cathedra </em>(chair) of the bishop of Rome. A Latin inscription reads "<em>omnium ecclesiarum Urbis et Orbis mater et caput" </em>(The Mother and Head of All Churches of the City and of the World). Accordingly, the whole Church celebrates its dedication.©2011 <em>Living with Christ, </em>Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., <strong>http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/</strong&gt;. Reprinted with permission.</p>