St. Peter the Apostle
Feast Day - June 29

Saint Peter was the first Leader of the Church - the first Pope. Originally named Simon, Jesus gave him a new name "Cephas" or Peter, which means Rock. Peter was the first of the apostles to recognize Jesus as the Messiah.

St. Peter gave up his life as a fisherman, to become a "fisher of men" to lead others to Jesus.

St. Peter was with Jesus and witnessed His miracles and was at His side during His public ministry.

Peter was sometimes weak, doubting Jesus and sinking into the water, and even denying Him three times during His Passion. We can look to him when we are weak and know that Jesus forgives and trusts us even after we are weak. Jesus trusted Peter with the keys of the Kingdom of heaven.

After being filled with the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost, St. Peter had all the gifts he needed to spread the Good News of the Gospel. That first Pentecost morning, he gave such a speech that 3,000 people became Christians that day. Peter was the first bishop of Rome, and the first of the apostles to perform a miracle in Jesus' name. 

St. Peter realized that the Church needed to be open to all people. Working with St. Paul, the great missionary, they greatly spread the growth of the Church; and thus they share their Feast day - June 29 - the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. 

St. Peter died a martyr, crucified upside down saying he was not worthy to die in the same manner as Our Lord.

St. Peter's great love for Jesus made it possible for him to do everything God asked of him. May we have the strength to do the same.

St. Peter, Rock of the Church, pray for us.