Our patron saint, Peter the Apostle, was born as Simon, the son of Jona, in a town on Lake Genesareth named Bethsaida. The apostle Andrew was his brother, and the apostle Philip came from the same town.
Simon later settled in Capharnaum, where he was living with his mother-in-law in his own house at the beginning of Christ's public ministry (around 26-28 A.D.). Simon was thus married, and, according to Clement of Alexandria, had children. The same writer relates the tradition that Simon's wife suffered martyrdom.
In Capharnaum, Simon pursued the profitable occupation of fisherman at Lake
Genesareth, possessing his own boat. He was a disciple of Saint John the Baptist, at whose bidding he followed Jesus from the beginning of His ministry.
Very characteristic of Peter is his expression of true fidelity to Jesus. Christ, after He had spoken of the mystery of the reception of His Body and Blood and many of His disciples had left Him, asked the Twelve if they too should leave Him; Peter's answer comes immediately: "Lord to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we have believed and have known, that thou art the Holy One of God".
Because of his faith, fidelity, enthusiasm, and love, although he was somewhat irresolute of character, Jesus showered him with many favors. He gave him the name Peter, cured his mother-in-law, appointed him chief of the Apostolic band, and made him head of the Church. He also chose him as one of the witnesses of the raising of Jairus' daughter from the dead, of the Transfiguration, and of the Agony in the Garden.
After the Resurrection, lest Peter's denial make him lose prestige, Our Lord renewed his commission as chief pastor of the flock. After the Ascension, Peter, by virtue of this commission, repeatedly acted as spokesman and head of the infant Church.
After his deliverance from prison by an angel, he left Jerusalem and began his Apostolic journeys. His first See was at Antioch. Just when he established himself at Rome is disputed, but that he did go to Rome and make it the center of the Church is too evident from tradition, from his first Epistle, and from data found in the catacombs and ancient churches of Rome.
He died a martyr's death at Rome during the persecution of Nero by being crucified head downwards, according to legend, stating that he was not worthy to be crucified in the same manner as Our Lord. He was buried at the foot of the Vatican Hill near the Via Cornelia.
At the beginning of the Valerian persecution (258 A.D.), his remains were placed with those of Saint Paul in a catacomb on the Appian Way where the Church of Saint Sebastian now stands. They were restored to their original place of burial by Constantine the Great, who built a basilica over the grave at the foot of the Vatican Hill. This basilica was replaced by the present Saint Peter's, where half of his body now rests; the other half is in the Church of Saint Paul on the Ostian Way. His head is in the Lateran Church.
Saint Peter is the patron saint of Rome. His emblems in art and sculpture are a boat, keys, scroll, and a cock. His feast day is June 29. Representations of Saint Peter are found in Christian art as early as the second century. He is shown as a man of energy, with short curly hair and beard, receiving the scroll of the Law with veiled hands. He is the only Apostle represented with a wand or staff, and in the fifth century, he is first shown with keys which afterward became customary.
