November 9th - Dedication of the Basilica of St John in the Lateran - “Mother and head of all the churches on earth

Today we celebrate the feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome. It is known as “Mother and head of all churches on earth” because it was the original residence of the Pope. There is a formidable and significant stone inscription on the façade of the Basilica that reads: Sacrosancta Lateranensis ecclesia omnium urbis et orbis ecclesiarum mater et caput, “Most Holy Lateran Church, of all the churches in the city and the world, the mother and head.”

You can read about the feast of the dedication at:

• Salt + Light - “Mother and head of all the churches on earth”
• Our Sunday Visitor - Why is there a feast for the Basilica of St. John Lateran?
• Vatican Radio has the coverage of the papal Mass at the basilica which included the ordination of a new auxiliary bishop for the diocese of Rome.