Saints Peter and Paul

Image: 
Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Oil on canvas by El Greco. circa 16th-century. Hermitage Museum, Russia.

The 29th of June is the feast day of Saints Peter and Paul. It is also known as the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. See this list for Saint Peter’s patronage. He is invoked against foot problems, fever and longevity. Saint Paul is the patron saint of missions; theologians; and Gentile Christians. Saints Peter and Paul were Apostles of Jesus, Saint Peter being the leader of the twelve, whereas Saint Paul followed Christ after the Lord’s ascension. The two saints are the founders of the Church in Rome. Both were martyred in close location, Peter was first martyred by being crucified upside down and Saint Paul was beheaded. Some traditions have them martyred on the same day. Saint Peter was crucified and buried on where Saint Peter’s Basilica is now located. Saint Paul was beheaded on the via Ostia and buried where the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls is. They are both the patron saints of Rome.