Today we celebrate the dedication of the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran. Her complete title is Major Papal, Patriarchal and Roman Archbasilica, Cathedral of the Most Holy Saviour and Saints John the Baptist and the Evangelist in Lateran, Mother and Head of All Churches in Rome and in the World. This basilica, rather than the basilica of St. Peter's, is the seat of the Pope. It is the oldest church in Rome, founded in 324, and serves as the cathedral of the city. The basilica has gone through many transformations over the centuries, most completely in the 18th century, which gave the church its present baroque appearance. Why would the Church around the world celebrate the dedication of this Basilica? This basilica is regarded as the "ecumenical mother church of all the churches in the world," and so Catholics around the world celebrate its dedication.

In celebrating this feast, St. Paul reminds us that the Church is not about building, but rather that Christ resides in us, the People of God. We are God's temple and the Spirit of God dwells in us. The Lateran Basilica is a symbol of the universal Church which Pope Francis continues to point our attention to, as he visited Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore. The Church is a contribution of everyone everywhere in the work which Christ entrusted to His Church, which include the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.