CAPG's Blog 

"St. Peter, having founded the Church at Antioch, and established the Gospel in Gallacia, Capadocia, and other parts, came afterwards to Rome, where he erected his episcopal chair. Give praise to the infinite goodness of God, who thus directed his apostle to the capital city of the world, which being once converted to the faith of Christ, might with so much ease establish it in all nations and provinces subject to its power. Hence it was that we received the gospel; and therefore it is a day wherein we are concerned as well as Rome, and which requires your thanksgiving for this conduct of the divine goodness, ordaining the means of our salvation.

The capital of the empire of the world, and the centre of impiety, called for the zeal of the prince of the apostles. God had established the Roman empire, and extended its dominion beyond that of any former monarchy, for the more easy propagation of His Gospel. Its metropolis was of the greatest importance for this enterprise. St. Peter took that province upon himself; and repairing to Rome, there preached the faith, and established his episcopal chair, whose successors the bishops of Rome have been accounted in all ages.

It was by this means, that the city of Rome, in which was crowded all the superstition and idolatry of the whole world, for which it was called Babylon, was cleansed of its errors, sanctified by the faith of Christ, and made the centre of the Christian communion. Pray for that See now, that God may be ever its protector, and the Gospel its rule. Pray for all those nations, which are drowned in idolatry and error, that He would show them the like mercy, in bringing them to the light of His saving truths. Pray for yourself and your friends; and let not the depth of iniquity, or present obstinacy, put you into despair. You see here the effect of the divine power and mercy, which can easily draw light out of darkness, and of Babylon make a holy Jerusalem." The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John Gother