Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12 / 1 Cor 3:9-11, 16-17 / John 2:13-22 (2022 / 2024)
The Lateran Basilica was built around 324 by the Roman emperor Constantine, and it is the cathedral of the city of Rome.
The Lateran Basilica is the official church of the Pope since the 4th century.
It is also called the "Mother of all churches" and on Holy Thursday, the Pope and priests will celebrate the Eucharist there.
This feast reminds us that we belong to the universal church, with Christ as the Head of the Church which is His Body.
Hence we acknowledge that the Church is not just a building, but the body of believers who are scattered all over the world, yet spiritually united in the body of Christ.
We also acknowledge, in the celebration of this feast, that the Pope is the head of the Church and we pledge our obedience to him and our unity with the whole Church.
May we continue to be united as Church and as the Body of Christ and be a sign of salvation to the world.