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Importance of St. Peter's Chair
What is Saint Peter's known for?
St. Peter, one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles, is believed to have become the first Pope of the Catholic Church. He spread his teachings in Rome but was eventually sentenced to death by Emperor Nero and crucified. To honor his martyrdom, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, one of the world's most significant churches, was erected. Within the Basilica, a magnificent structure known as the St. Peter's chair was created to commemorate the Apostle's sacrifice.
This impressive sculpture preserves valuable Catholic relics and holds great historical importance. A visit to St. Peter's Basilica offers a unique opportunity to behold this ornate masterpiece and learn about the religious and historical significance of St. Peter and the Catholic Church.
About The Feast Of St. Peter’s Chair
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The Feast of the Chair of St. Peter held annually on February 22, is a celebration of St. Peter's authority and his vital role in the formation of the Catholic Church.In the past, the feast was observed on two different dates, commemorating St. Peter's first sermon in Rome. This disagreement ended in 1962 when Pope John XXIII established February 22 as the official date to celebrate the Feast of the Chair
The feast day is an important occasion for the Catholic Church and is marked by special masses and liturgies in St. Peter's Basilica and other Catholic churches around the world. It serves as a reminder of St. Peter's leadership and his crucial contribution to the foundation and growth of the Church
Historical significance of St. Peter’s chair
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The St. Peter's Chair is a magnificent bronze covering that embraces the original oak chair of the Bishop. Italian artist Bernini designed it in the Baroque style of Rome. This Chair, symbolizing the authority of St. Peter in the Catholic Church, was commissioned by Pope Alexander VII in 1647 and completed in 1653, after six years of meticulous work. Four Doctors of the Catholic Church support the throne, while an alabaster window above the chair bathes it in colorful sunlight.
Bernini's clever design creates the illusion of the chair floating in mid-air. This gilded bronze throne, enclosing the wooden chair, was installed in the apse of St. Peter's Basilica in 1666. Its ornate design harmonizes with the grandeur of the Basilica and incorporates sculptures of angels holding the Papal Tiara and St. Peter's Keys.
Design & Architecture of St. Peter's Chair
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The Original Chair: According to legend, St. Peter used an oak wood chair reinforced with ivory and iron to deliver his sermons. During the middle ages, newly elected Popes were enthroned on this Chair of St. Peter.
Bronze Covering: Bernini was commissioned to design an ornate cover for the St. Peter's Chair, which he crafted from gilded bronze. He incorporated biblical messages and Papal symbols into the baroque-style structure to create a masterpiece.
Statues of Doctors: The base of the sculpture features life-size statues of four Doctors of the Catholic Church, each standing over 5 meters tall. The saints' names are Ambrose, Augustine of Hippo, John Chrysostom, and Athanasius. The statues give the impression of being suspended in the air while supporting the throne.
Angels: The bronze chair is guarded by angels on either side, with a pair of Cherubs seated at the top holding the keys of St. Peter's and supporting the Papal tiara, which is suspended above the chair.
Glass Window and Dove: The Chair of St. Peter is located against a golden alabaster glass window adorned with statues of angels, a dove, and divided into twelve sections, symbolizing the Twelve Apostles. The central part features a dove, representing the Holy Spirit, while playful angels are seen on the clouds.
FAQ
What is St. Peter's Chair?
A: St. Peter's Chair is a grand sculpture designed by Italian artist Bernini in the seventeenth century. It encloses the wooden chair that St. Peter, the first Pope, is believed to have used to deliver sermons.
Where is the Chair of St. Peter located?
The Chair of St. Peter is located in the apse of the St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, Rome, Italy.
How old is the Chair of St. Peter?
The wooden chair enclosed in the Chair of St. Peter is believed to be over 2000 years old. However, the bronze structure designed by Bernini is from the seventeenth century.
How long did Bernini take to build the St. Peter's Chair?
A: Bernini took six years to build the St. Peter's Chair. He was commissioned by Pope Alexander VII in 1647 and completed the work in 1653.
Why is the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter celebrated?
The Feast of the Chair of St. Peter is celebrated to honor the authority and contribution of St. Peter to the Catholic Church. It is observed on February 22 every year to commemorate the first homily St. Peter delivered in Rome.
Explore St. Peter's Basilica