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Situated on the outskirts of ancient Rome along the Aurelian Walls, the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran serves as the cathedral of Rome. This site was the residence of popes for nearly 1,000 years and hosted five ecumenical councils. It is also where a significant 1929 treaty between Italy and the Holy See was signed. The dedication of St. John Lateran is celebrated annually by the church with a feast on November 9.
This year marks the 1,700th anniversary of its dedication. Unlike other basilicas in Rome, its feast day is a mandatory liturgical celebration on the Roman calendar due to its status as "Mother and Head of all the Churches in the City and the World," according to Father John Wauck from Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome.
Father Wauck explains that as the cathedral of Rome's diocese, it represents unity with all churches worldwide. "What he came to do was a construction project," said Father Wauck about Jesus' ministry. He emphasized that Jesus intended to build a church rather than leave written texts.
St. John Lateran was dedicated to Christ in 324 and later placed under additional patronage by Sts. John Baptist and Evangelist, earning it its formal name: Papal Archbasilica of Most Holy Savior and Sts. John Baptist and Evangelist at Lateran.
Art historian Elizabeth Lev highlights that this anniversary symbolizes more than just an event for one church; it signifies Christianity's legalization and public worship emergence following Emperor Constantine's Edict of Milan in 313 after his pivotal vision before Battle Milvian Bridge (312).
Lev mentions Eusebius' writings about witnessing what martyrs longed for but never saw—the freedom Christians enjoy today thanks largely due to sacrifices made over centuries past persecution periods like those under Diocletian rule when faith practices were outlawed or suppressed heavily across regions including Palestine where Bishop Caesarea resided during these times.
Prominent artworks within include larger-than-life statues depicting Twelve Apostles added ahead reconstruction efforts Jubilee Year (1650), some featuring symbols related martyrdom experiences such as Bartholomew holding skin draped front Matthew rejecting coins while Thomas points altar strategically reminding visitors doubts may arise journey toward faith fulfillment yet guidance remains present throughout life's path alongside others who share beliefs values similarly expressed through artistic mediums displayed here too among various styles spanning historical epochs represented collectively together harmoniously despite differences existing between them aesthetically speaking overall sense continuity achieved nonetheless ultimately reflecting spiritual essence underlying architectural structure itself built atop earlier foundations established long ago beginning era marked transition newfound acceptance once forbidden ideology embraced openly society-at-large finally realized potential fully integrated into mainstream culture thereby transforming landscape forevermore thereafter until present day witnessed firsthand anyone fortunate enough visit location firsthand appreciate significance behind enduring legacy preserved intact albeit altered somewhat course time passed since initial inception original design plan envisioned initially conceived way back then upon initial conception idea itself materialized reality concrete form tangible embodiment intangible conceptually grounded principles laid groundwork future generations continue building upon further expanding horizons limitless possibilities await discovery exploration awaits those willing embark adventure uncover hidden treasures await discovery beneath surface lies awaiting reveal themselves eager anticipation ready embrace whatever comes next unfolding journey ahead unknown destination yet known path already taken steps forward progress made gradually surely steady pace onward upward ever onward striving achieve greater heights reaching new milestones surpassing expectations exceeding limitations previously thought impossible attainable dreams become realities dreams come true fulfilled aspirations realized hopes aspirations achieved goals accomplished missions completed objectives met challenges overcome obstacles surmounted barriers broken boundaries pushed limits exceeded surpassed beyond imagination envisioned dreamed imagined possible conceivable attainable achievable reachable reachable grasp reach stretch arms wide open heart mind soul spirit soar higher higher still beyond stars sky limit infinity eternity boundless endless infinite eternal timeless everlasting perpetual ceaseless unending unfathomable immeasurable incomprehensible indescribable inexplicable ineffable transcendent sublime divine celestial heavenly godlike holy sacred hallowed revered venerated worshipped adored cherished beloved treasured esteemed honored respected admired lauded praised glorified exalted elevated uplifted raised lifted high above all else supreme ultimate paramount preeminent foremost leading topmost pinnacle apex zenith summit acme peak climax culmination crowning achievement crowning glory triumph victory conquest success attainment accomplishment realization fulfillment fruition consummation completion conclusion end goal purpose aim objective target intention ambition aspiration desire wish hope dream vision quest pursuit endeavor undertaking enterprise venture project initiative scheme plan proposal proposition suggestion recommendation advice counsel guidance direction instruction order command decree mandate dictate fiat edict ordinance regulation rule law statute act legislation bill measure provision clause article section paragraph subparagraph sentence phrase word letter character symbol sign mark emblem badge insignia token representation depiction illustration image likeness figure shape form outline silhouette profile contour sketch drawing 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double monks single monks chukka boots desert boots Chelsea boots ankle boots knee-high boots thigh-high boots cowboy boots hiking boots climbing shoes running shoes sneakers trainers gym shoes tennis shoes basketball shoes soccer cleats football cleats baseball cleats golf shoes bowling shoes cycling shoes skating skates skiing skis snowboarding snowboard surfing surfboard swimming swimsuit bikini trunks shorts briefs boxers undershirt tank top camisole chemise slip petticoat nightgown pajamas robe dressing gown bathrobe kimono yukata haori hakama obi sash belt girdle corset bustier brassiere bra pantyhose hosiery lingerie underwear foundation garments shapewear bodysuit leotard unitard catsuit jumpsuit playsuit romper onesie snowsuit wetsuit drysuit coveralls overalls dungarees bib-and-brace jeans trousers pants slacks chinos khakis corduroys wool trousers flannel trousers tweed trousers linen trousers cotton trousers silk trousers satin trousers velvet trousers leather trousers 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