February 22 is the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter. This is a major feast day for Catholics, but our brothers and sisters of other churches see it as an impediment to unity.
As a convert from the Episcopal church to Roman Catholicism, Servant of God Fr. Paul Wattson, SA, meditated on this feast day from both sides of the divide. In the 1903 edition of The Lamp, he wrote a reflection on the papacy from the perspective of an Episcopalian who hoped for “the cordial support of all Catholics who look forward to the day when the Ecclesia Anglicana shall be completely reconciled with the appointed Head of the Church on earth, the occupant of St. Peter’s Chair.”
This full communion between the two churches hasn’t happened yet. As we approach the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter during this Jubilee Year of Hope, let’s redouble our payers and efforts to foster unity. But let us also be patient, for as Fr. Paul said, “Yet even Faith must ‘Tarry the Lord’s leisure,’ for with God ‘a thousand years are but as one day.’ Patience must be allowed plenty of time in which to do her work perfectly. She cannot and she will not be hurried, the fabric is exceedingly delicate, the pattern most elaborate, the Robe of Unity she is weaving for the SON of GOD will be of matchless beauty, but it is the work of many generations and Hope with smiling countenance kneels and prays, being quite happy and content to wait.”
Sadly, we approach the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter without our statue of the saint, which was recently stolen. Although efforts are underway to find it, we extend the mercy of Christ to the person who stole it. Rather than condemn them, let’s take time to reflect on Fr. Paul’s call to unity. If you would like to help us replace this beloved statue, click here.