A Note From

Rev. Joe Koyickal

Feast of Saints Peter and Paul

This weekend, we joyfully celebrate the Feast of Saints Peter & Paul—two pillars of our Church, two men so different in background & temperament, yet united in one faith, one

mission, & one love: Jesus Christ.

Saint Peter, the fisherman, was chosen by Jesus Himself to be the “rock” upon which the Church would be built. He was impulsive, passionate, & sometimes stumbled in fear yet he always returned to the Lord with love & humility. Saint Paul, once a fierce persecutor of Christians, became through grace one of the most courageous & tireless proclaimers of the Gospel the world has ever known. His letters still guide & inspire the Church today.

So why are they celebrated together? It’s not only because they both gave their lives for Christ in Rome Peter by crucifixion, Paul by beheading but also because together they represent the whole mission of the Church. Peter symbolizes unity, leadership, & stability, while Paul represents mission, outreach, & evangelization. Together, they form the full picture of what it means to be the Body of Christ: rooted in truth, & always moving outward in love.

Their shared feast is a beautiful reminder that the Church is built not on one type of person, but on the diversity of gifts united in faith. It also reminds us that holiness isn’t about being the same it’s about being faithful to God’s call in your own unique way.

What makes these saints so compelling is not their perfection but their willingness to change. They remind us that God doesn’t call the flawless; He calls the faithful. Peter & Paul both encountered Christ in powerful ways, & they allowed those encounters to change the course of their lives. In their own unique ways, they each gave everything to the mission of spreading the Gospel through preaching, suffering, & ultimately, martyrdom.

As we honor them today, let’s ask: How is the Lord calling us to grow in faith & witness? Are we willing, like Peter, to say, “Lord, You know that I love You,” even when we fall short? Are we ready, like Paul, to allow God’s grace to turn our weaknesses into strength?

Saints Peter & Paul remind us that the Church is not built by perfect people, but by those who love Jesus deeply & dare to follow Him boldly. May their courage, faith, & deep love for the Lord inspire us to be living stones in the Church today.

Blessings of Peace and Joy Always!

Fr. Joe