February 2021 lntothe Adult Formation & Enrichment: Deepening our Catholic faith & identity Chair of Peter by Bernini deep Location: St. Peter’s Basilica This ancient chair, however, is much more The Story of a Chair of than an exquisitely-detailed physical object The Reality Candlemas “Upon this rock I will build my Church...” (MT 16:18) “…And the lord whom you seek will come suddenly to his designed by an Italian master. In his General temple; The messenger of the covenant whom you desire - High above the altar, within the apse of St. Audience of February 2006, Pope Benedict see, he is coming! says the LORD of hosts.” (Malachi 3:1) XVI spoke to the spiritual authority that the Peter’s Basilica and beneath the Holy Spirit Amidst the dash to store holiday stained-glass window sits Bernini’s Cathedra chair also represents: decorations or predict the outcome of Petri (Chair of Peter). But what one finds on “On it, we give thanks to God for the mission He Groundhog Day is the often overlooked display is not the original chair. Pictured entrusted to the Apostle Peter and his sacred day that for many marks the official Successors...The See of Rome, after St. Peter’s below is the first design which The Catholic end to the Christmas season: the Feast of travels, came to be recognized as the See of the the Presentation of the Lord, or Encyclopedia describes in this way: Successor of Peter, and its Bishop’s cathedra Candlemas, on February 2nd. The story of (chair) represented the mission entrusted to him “...the oldest portion is a by Christ to tend his entire flock... Celebrating the salvation that came to fruition in the Annunciation and the Nativity now begins perfectly plain oaken armchair “Chair” of Peter...means attributing a strong with four legs connected by spiritual significance to it and recognizing it as a to grow with the Presentation in the cross bars. The wood is much privileged sign of the love of God, the eternal Temple. The words of the prophet Malachi worm-eaten and pieces have Good Shepherd, who wanted to gather His whole are fulfilled when Joseph and Mary present been cut from various spots at Church and lead her on the path of salvation...” 3 their child Jesus to Simeon, for in that different times, evidently for moment God entered his Temple. And This spiritual significance is reinforced relics. To the right and left of the seat four strong having waited their entire lives for the through the scriptural readings for this day; iron rings, intended for carrying-poles, are set into coming Messiah, Simeon and Anna now the legs...” 1 especially in the Gospel of Matthew: “see the light”: “When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea “… and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, During the Middle Ages, this chair was Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many displayed annually for viewing by the faithful say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and as well as used for solemn papal installations. say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others you yourself a sword will pierce…” (LK 2:34-35) Adjus tments to repair as well as decorate the Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to St. Pope John Paul II wrote that Mary heard chair were made over the centuries, with the them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon in Simeon’s words a message likened to a most notable being that currently on display Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of second Annunciation for “they tell her of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, the actual historical situation in which the as designed by Italian artist and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680). Following this “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh Son is to accomplish his mission, namely, in and blood has not revealed this to you, but my misunderstanding and sorrow.” 1 While his redesign, Alexander VII (1655-67) had the heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are words affirm Mary’s faith in God’s chair enclosed above the apsidal altar of St. Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, promises, they also convey that suffering is Peter’s basilica in a monumental bronze and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail to be endured. Indeed, Candlemas casing as shown in the photo above. It is against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom celebrates the coming of the Light of the supported by statues of four Doctors of the of heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall World but it is also a moment in salvation Church (see article reverse side).2 be loosed in heaven.” (MT 16:13-19). history when things begin to “get real.” (continued reverse side) 1 REDEMPTORIS MATER, John Paul II. 25 March 1987. Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 425 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229 Ph. 941-966-0807 www.olmc-osprey.org Ash Wednesday is February 17th. “Even now, says the LORD, Visit our parish website for online return to me with your whole heart…” Stations of the Cross. Joel 2:12 The Sacred Art of 2021 Winter-Spring Adult Faith Classes The Chair of Peter Registration is open! The monumental sculpture of the Chair of It’s not too late to join us! Brochures with Peter (pictured on front page, top left) – which class descriptions are in the parish gathering space along with green is itself a form of sacred art - was created to registration forms. Just complete the form enclose the wooden throne of St. Peter. To and drop it in the adjacent basket. Or build this monument, artist Bernini simply register on our parish website at: constructed a throne of gilded bronze in which www.olmc-osprey.org/winter-spring- the original chair was enclosed; that is there 2021-schedule-events. Come join us! are two pieces of furniture, one within the SUNDAY AFTERNOONS other. On 17 January 1666, the composition Above: Sts. Ambrose (hat) and Athanasius. Prime Time Sunday Cinema was enshrined above the altar of St. Peter’s Below: Sts. John Chrysostom and 3:00pm on Feb 14 and Apr 18 Augustine (hat) basilica. MONDAYS The base of the altar is of black and white Catholicism: Pivotal Players, Vol. 2 marble from Aquitaine and red jasper from 10:30am – Noon, weekly starting Jan 25 Sicily. The two outer statues (with miter hats) Museum Masterpieces: The Louvre are figures of two Doctors of the Latin church: 10:30am-Noon, weekly starting Mar 15 St. Ambrose and St. Augustine; and the two TUESDAYS inner statues (with bare heads) are two NEW: Small Groups. Choose one or both Doctors of the Creek Church: St. Athanasius of the remaining two topics. Meets from and St. John Chrysostom. These saints 10:30-11:30am “represent the catholicity of the Church and at • Dashed Hopes: February 9, 16 and 23 the same time, the consistency of the • Forgiveness: March 2, 9 and 16 theologians’ teaching with the doctrine of the WEDNESDAYS 1 Apostles.” OLMC Book Club Above the Chair are two angels bearing the Noon-1:30pm, 2nd Wednesday ea. month tiara and keys, symbols of the Roman pontiff's Photography as a Spiritual Practice authority. On the Chair, are three bas-reliefs 9:30-10:30am, 3rd Wednesday ea. month picked out in gold, which refer to the same NEW: Paint, Pray & Play number of Gospel episodes: the Consignment (Cancelled. Watch for it later this year) of the keys, Feed my sheep, and the Washing 2 THURSDAYS of the feet. Above: Angels above the Chair hold the 1, 2 From St. Peters Basilica; Cathedra Petri Altar of the Chair of St. Peter. tiara and keys The Book of Job www.stpetersbasilica.info/Altars/Cathedra/Cathedra.htm 10:30am – Noon, Feb 18, 25 and Mar 4th Introduction to the Old Testament (continued, The Story of a Chair) Prayer to Saint Joseph th 10:30am – Noon, May 13, 20 and 27 On February 22nd, the Church celebrates the Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, I Have a Question…? Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter. Currently Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 10:30am – Noon, June 3, 10 and 17 held by Pope Francis, this holy office has To you God entrusted his only Son; served as a source of authority and unity in you Mary placed her trust; SPECIAL EVENTS Men’s Lenten Retreat, OLPH Retreat Ctr among the followers of Christ Jesus for over with you Christ became man. 9:00am – 3:00pm, Wednesday, Feb. 24th 2,000 years. Blessed Joseph, to us too, Leader: Rev. Mark Yavarone, OMV 1 Waal, A. (1908). Chair of Peter. In The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: show yourself a father Robert Appleton Company. Retrieved February 4, 2020 from New Advent: Women’s Lenten Retreat http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03551e.htm . and guide us in the path of life. (cancelled at OLPH) 2 Akin, Jimmy. 21 February 2013. “9 things you need to know about the Obtain for us grace, mercy, “Chair of St. Peter.” National Catholic Register. 21 Feb. 2013. From the For additional information, email: web. Accessed 27 February 2020. and courage, [email protected] 3 Ibid. and defend us from every evil. Amen. Prepared by OLMC Office of Faith Formation and Enrichment www.olmc -osprey.org/adults .