The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul and the "Year of Saint Paul"

On Friday, June 29, we shall celebrate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. This solemn feast is of particular significance this year because on June 28, the Holy Father Benedict XVI will be announcing at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside-the-Walls a forthcoming special "Year of Saint Paul" (2008-2009) for the Universal Church to celebrate the 2000th anniversary of the apostle's birth.

Hopefully, this special year to honor the memory and legacy of the great Apostle to the Gentiles will bring about a renewal in the Church's ecumenical and missionary efforts-two seemingly contradictory endeavors-yet come to think of it, two complementary facets of the Church's presence in the world.

Saints Peter and Paul, pray for us!