Dedication of the Churches of Peter and Paul

<p>This feast celebrates the dedication of two of the great basilicas of Rome. Saint Peter's was begun in 323, over the tomb of the apostle. In 1506 a new church was begun. Paul V and Michelangelo were involved in its development. It was finished and dedicated 120 years later, on November 18, 1626.</p>
<p>The 4th-century church of Saint Paul-Outside-the-Walls was destroyed by fire in 1823. A rebuilding project was made possible by contributions received from all over the world. It was consecrated by Pius IX in 1854.©2011 <em>Living with Christ, </em>Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., <strong>http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/</strong&gt;. Reprinted with permission.</p>