By Dan Pfannenstein
Every year, on Feb. 22, the Holy Mother Church celebrates the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter. This lesser-known feast day essentially commemorates the teaching authority and leadership that Jesus passed to Peter and all of his successors.
This great feast dates back to the third century and is set apart from the martyrdom of Peter which is on June 29. On this day we place the Chair or “Cathedra” of St. Peter at the very center of our attention. In fact, if you visit St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, you can see the monument that encloses an ancient wooden throne, thought to be of St. Peter.
The Chair of St. Peter is a powerful symbol of the universal teaching authority of St. Peter and his successors, the bishops of Rome. Since the pope is the Bishop of Rome, he is given the authority and governance of the worldwide Universal Church. The purpose of this authority is to protect the Deposit of Faith and transmit the teachings of the Gospel.
In each diocese, the local bishop also has a designated chair or cathedra, which is a sign of his teaching authority in his diocese. In the Diocese of St. Cloud, the seat of the bishop is located in St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud.
This year, I was reflecting on how our family might better celebrate this feast, especially during Lent. How could we make something tangible in our homes? What I thought of was this: a prayer chair.
Beginning on Feb. 22, set aside a chair (or space) as your “prayer chair.” Find a prominent place in your home, maybe find some sacred art or a crucifix, grab a bible and let this chair become a sanctuary of prayer and spiritual growth. Let this place transform your life and home. Encourage other family members and friends to spend some time in this “ prayer chair” and reflect on the great gift of faith that the Lord has given us.
Another way to use this seat of prayer is to reflect on those who may have left an empty chair in our lives and families. Whether that is through a death, someone who has walked away from the Church, a grievance we may have with family or friends or someone who has yet to experience the love of Christ. Use this chair as a place to let the mercy and love of Christ heal and restore our hearts.
The Feast of the Chair of St. Peter is unique. Rather than honoring a particular saint, we honor the mission Christ entrusted to Peter and to every pope who has followed him — the sacred responsibility of guiding and teaching the Church. Let us take time to reflect on this great gift and may our own prayer chairs be places of great spiritual growth and a deepening of faith shaped by the same Gospel mission.
Dan Pfannenstein is a member of St. Mary’s Cathedral and an occasional writer for The Central Minnesota Catholic.