DEDICATION OF THE BASILICA OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL ST PETER – THE FIRST POPE
DEDICATION OF THE BASILICA OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL ST PETER – THE FIRST POPE Rembrandt, "St Peter the Apostle kneeling" (1631) Jesus said to them: “Come after me and I will make you fishers of men”. Then they abandoned their nets and followed Him.” Mark 1: 17-18. The Apostles were given substantial powers by Christ, including: The power and the right to consecrate the bread and wine in the celebration of the Eucharist. No person other than a legitimately ordained bishop or priest has this right, or power, to consecrate the Eucharist. The ability to pass on their office, (Apostolic succession); This is presupposed by the succession instituted by the Apostles in Acts I. The third power given to the Apostles is recorded in John 20:22-23: “With that he breathed on them and said, “Receive you the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forg...