St. Peter

By: Maddison Fisher

  1. His life

    A.  Peter was a native of Bethsaida, near Lake Tiberias, and worked as a fisherman on Lake Genesareh.

    B. Andrew introduced Peter to Jesus, and Christ called Peter to become a disciple. Peter was recognized as the Prince of the Apostles and the first Supreme Pontiff.

    C. The first appearance of the Risen Christ was before Peter, ahead of the other disciples, and when the Lord came before the disciples at Tiberias, he gave to Peter the famous command to “Feed my lambs.... Tend my sheep.... Feed my sheep”.

    D. While Peter’s chief feast day is June 29, he is also honored on February 22 and November 18. In liturgical art, he is depicted as an elderly man holding a key and a book. His symbols include an inverted cross, a boat, and the cock.

     

  2. What virtues he models

    A. St. Peter models respect because Peter was crucified on the Vatican Hill upside down because he declared himself unworthy to die in the same manner as the Lord.

    B. St Peter  models faithfulness because  Peter was at Jesus' side at the Transfiguration, the raising of Jairus' daughter, and the Agony of the Garden of Gethsemane. This shows that Peter really cares for Jesus like none other.

    C.  St. Peter models gracefulness and strength because of the rock and the boat. The rock shows his strength and is also one of his symbols. The boat shows his gracefulness because of the water that the boat glides on. It also symbolizes the stillness of the ocean.

     

  3. His importance to our Church

    A. He helped organize the Last Supper and played a major role in the events of the Passion. Peter was a member of the inner circle of Jesus, with James and John.

    B. Peter was the first pope, the Prince of the Apostles, as well as the founder.

    C. He baptized the Roman pagan Cornelius, and at the Council of Jerusalem he gave his support to                 preaching to Gentiles, thereby permitting the new Church to become universal. Peter was instrumental in bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles.

     

  4. Where I found my information

    A. http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=5358

     

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