St. Peter the Apostle: Feast Day, Patronage & Prayers

Feast day: June 29 (Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul); February 22 (Feast of the Chair of St. Peter)

Patron of: Popes, the universal Church, and fishermen.

About St. Peter the Apostle

Simon, a fisherman from Bethsaida working on the Sea of Galilee, was one of the first disciples called by Jesus. When Simon confessed, "Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God," Jesus gave him a new name: "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church," and promised him the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Peter was impulsive and warm-hearted. He walked on the water and then began to sink, he promised to die with Jesus and then denied Him three times, and he wept bitterly over it.

After the Resurrection, the risen Lord asked him three times, "Lovest thou me?" and three times entrusted him with His flock. On Pentecost Peter preached boldly in Jerusalem, and he became the leader of the apostles and the first bishop of Rome. There, under the emperor Nero, he was crucified, by tradition upside down, and he was buried on the Vatican Hill, where St. Peter's Basilica now stands. His story is a great comfort: Christ builds His Church on weak men who return to Him in love.

Prayers to St. Peter the Apostle on Daily Catholic Prayers

• Confiteor

• Litany of the Saints

• Prayer for the Pope

• Prayer to St. Paul the Apostle

• Prayer to St. Peter the Apostle

Learn more: “St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles” in the Catholic Encyclopedia (New Advent)

Browse every saint in our Catalog of Saints A–Z.

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