THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Her Doctrine and Morals

Dedication of the Archbasilica of Our Holy Savior

9 November 2025

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The Sunday

Sermon

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Dear Friends in Christ,

The Lateran Basilica, with its foundation dating back to the time of Constantine, holds a profound historical significance. It was the place of the Laterani, on the Coelian Hill, that Constantine's wife Fausta owned. After his conversion, the Emperor bestowed it to the Pope as his private residence and established within it the church of the Lateran, which became the mother and mistress of all the churches of Rome and the world. On November 9, 324, it was dedicated to Christ our Savior by Pope St. Silvester. In the twelfth century, it was given its second title, St. John the Baptist, and thus the present name of the basilica, St. John Lateran. The first basilica, having been destroyed, was rebuilt in the tenth century and consecrated in 1726, marking a significant chapter in the history of our faith.

In the basilica and palace of the Lateran, the Roman councils were held, attended by many at various times. Additionally, five great ecumenical councils have been held there. On the most solemn days of the Liturgical Year, the station was at St. John Lateran. Sacred Orders and Easter Baptisms were conferred there. The residence of the Popes was there, and the whole rhythm of Christian life made it for long the very center of Christianity.

At all times, God desired that altars should be set up to Him and places of prayer established where the people could assemble to pay to the Divine majesty that worship which is His due. And the Church has always been at pains to bring all her genius to bear in raising for God sanctuaries worthy of Him. The Consecration of a Church forms one of the finest ceremonies of our liturgy, whose rites make manifest the presence of God in our lives.

The Church, a structure of stone made holy in its very walls, with its altar specially consecrated by the bishop, becomes a sacred place where God meets His people. It is here that the Christian community gathers to pray to God, hear His word, offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, receive the Sacraments, and take part during the year in the celebration of the mysteries of Christ. This communal gathering is not just a physical act, but a spiritual one, drawing from this source of regeneration those graces of redemption which transform the lives of each one, fostering a sense of belonging and community.

The Church, a stone building, the dwelling of the Most High, the sanctuary in which He gathers us together and sanctifies us, constitutes, so to say, an actual anticipation of the Kingdom of Heaven. It is a symbol of the temple made of living stones, which God builds, that it may become the glorious gathering of saints reigning forever with Him in the city of paradise.

Our Churches are the doors to Heaven. It is within the Church that we approach near to God and enter into His presence. God gives Himself to be the Sacrifice on the altar. He is the only acceptable Sacrifice. He resides within the Tabernacle to be the food of our souls and to draw us nearer to Him and transform our bodies into His Living Tabernacles. His loving desire is to make us into His Living Temples or Churches.

Because we are unable to approach God in Heaven, He meets us halfway — in the Church buildings, upon the Altar of Sacrifice, in Holy Communion. The Holy Eucharist is Jesus Christ, True God and True Man.

Catholic Churches exist for the altar and the tabernacle. The Altar exists for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The Tabernacle exists to respectfully enthrone the Son of God in the Holy Eucharist in constant readiness to come to us in Holy Communion.

It is God's love for us that brings Him to us in our Churches. His love is the foundation of our Faith and the reason for the existence of our Churches. It is our love for God that builds and maintains the House of God. Our love is expressed through our reverence for the church, our participation in the Sacraments, and our efforts to make the church a worthy dwelling place for God. We strive to provide a worthy house of God. We make sacrifices to make our Churches worthy of God, but also beautiful and edifying for us.

Above and beyond our Churches, Altars, and Tabernacles, Jesus lovingly desires to live in our bodies and souls. We are supposed to be His Living Churches — His Living Tabernacles. As we put forth our best efforts to make the churches suitably clean, neat, and beautiful, we should be doing so with our bodies and souls.

Our souls should be cleansed to the best of our ability through the Sacraments of Baptism and Penance. Our bodies should be cleansed to the best of our ability as well. Our souls should be adorned with graces, merits, and indulgences to become suitable tabernacles to receive Jesus. Our bodies should likewise be adorned with suitable modest attire that is worthy of the dignity of God, Whom we wish to honor and receive lovingly.

May the Immaculate Heart of Mary inspire, guide, and protect us!