Today is the Feast of a Church: St. John Lateran. This Church is the cathedral of Rome. The palace that is attached to the Church was the residence of the popes from the 4th century until 1307 when the popes moved to Avignon, France.

Following is the preface for the dedication of a church. It is very beautiful and nourishing to the soul who meditates upon it.

We thank you for this house of prayer

in which you bless your family

as we come to you on our pilgrimage.

Here you reveal your presence by sacramental signs,

and make us one with you through the unseen bond of grace.

Here you build your temple of living stones,

and bring the Church to its full stature as the body of Christ throughout the world,

to reach its perfection at last in the heavenly Jerusalem,

which is the vision of your peace.

In communion with all the angels and saints

we bless and praise your greatness in the temple of your glory.

The Church is the body of Christ. We nourished from his riches which he never fails to pour out upon the Church.