St. Peter the Apostle

Peter was a native of Bethsaida, and worked, like his brother St. Andrew, as a fisherman on Lake Genesareth. Andrew introduced Peter to Jesus, and Christ called Peter to become a disciple. On becoming a disciple of Jesus, Peter acknowledged him as "... the Messiah, the son of the living God. Christ responded by saying: "... you are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church....". He added: I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Peter was always listed as the first of the Apostles in all of the New Testament accounts and was a member of the inner circle of Jesus, with James and John. He was at Jesus' side at the Transfiguration, the raising of Jairus' daughter, and the Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. After the Resurrection, Peter went to the tomb with the other disciple after being told of the event by the women. The first appearance of the Risen Christ was to Peter, ahead of the other disciples, and when the Lord came before the disciples at Tiberias, he gave to Peter the famous command to Feed my lambs.... Tend my sheep.... Feed my sheep. In the time immediately after the Ascension, Peter stood as the unquestionable head of the Apostles, his position made evident in the Acts.

It is certain that Peter died in Rome and that his martyrdom came during the reign of Emperor Nero, probably in 64. Testimony of his martyrdom is extensive, including Origen, Eusebius of Caesarea, St. Clement I of Rome, St. Ignatius, and St. Irenaeus. According to rich tradition, Peter was crucified on the Vatican Hill upside down because he declared himself unworthy to die in the same manner as the Lord. He was then buried on Vatican Hill. Excavations under St. Peter's Basilica have unearthed his probable tomb, and his relics are now enshrined under the high altar of St. Peter's. From the earliest days of the Church, Peter was recognized as the Prince of the Apostles and the first Supreme Pontiff; his see, Rome, has thus enjoyed the position of primacy over the entire Catholic Church.

St. Peter is a patron of locksmiths and stone masons. His symbols include an inverted cross, a boat, and the cock. While Peters chief feast day is June 29, he is also honored on February 22 and November 18.