In our minds' eyes, let's go back to first century Rome. For the locals, it is the year 817, ab urbe condita -- from the founding of the City. In our much-later mediaeval reckoning, it is 64 A.D. or C.E. The Emperor in office is Claudius Nero, who is most certainly a curious and unstable leader. He has already murdered his own mother and had his wife executed, so he could marry his mistress. He would not allow the usual titles of divinity to be ascribed to him. He wasknown to show up at public celebrations and start bursting into song or reciting poetry, behaviour that was considered undignified for a Caesar by the populace. As he died by his own hand, he exclaimed "Qualis artifex pereo," meaning what an artist is dying in me!
This year 64 will be absolutely critical in his reign. A horrendous fire breaks out and, besides the destruction in the city, many perish in the flames. Nero dawdles, as if indifferent to the crisis. The rumour that he played the "fiddle" during the conflagration is quite plausible, as he was a decent violinist, as well as being mad and unpredictable. What does one do under such criticism? Well, a scapegoat is always handy, and religious cults can be easy targets. Nero's wife is a fan of Judaism, whereas Nero himself follows certain oriental faiths. He chooses to blame the fire on Christians, so begins one of the worst persecutions of the Church. Crucified bodies line the roadways.
As it so happens, at this time, the two key figures in the Jesus Movement, Peter and Paul are both in Rome. One might imagine that Saint Paul has tired of all that travelling and writing letters and has retired alongside Saint Paul, chairman of the apostles, in the Church Peter founded at Rome. What odd-couple! Here is the illiterate Peter; the well-educated Paul. Peter who, like James and Jesus, emphasizes the role of "works" (action) in salvation; and Paul who teaches salvation by faith only. Peter who supported church government as we have it still today (bishop, priests, deacons); Paul who had favoured synagogue-style governance in his chain of communities. Opposites attract! Perhaps Peter and Paul provided just the perfect balance needed in the important, diverse Roman community.
Their separate executions will take place that year -- Paul by beheading, Peter by crucifixion upside-down. You might ask how we know about this, since it doesn't happen to be recorded in Scripture. Well, witnesses. Saint Clement of Rome, who was third bishop of Rome after the Peter & Paul team were executed, speaks of it. So does Saint Ignatius, also of the first century, who was second bishop of Antioch, after founder Peter. The noted writer Irenaeus also attests.
When Peter and Paul were arrested and incarcerated at the Mamertine Prison, their warders were Processus and Martinian The apostles converted them, and they were baptised there by Peter, and later martyred for their faith. They were buried in the cemetery at Damasus. Much later a church was constructed around their tomb, and Gregory the Great said Mass there. In the ninth century, their remains were translated (transferred) to Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome and interred beneath the high altar. Many years ago, my wife and I visited the crypt where their tomb is, also where Saint Peter and numerous other early Saints are buried. Sadly, due to security concerns, that area in the south transept is now off-limits.
What a wonderful two thousand years of witness is ours as Catholic Christians. Thanks be to God!
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