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Everything You Need to Know About the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter

St. Peter's Basilica Feast of the Chair of St. Peter

The gospels speak of Saint Peter as the rock upon which Christ built his Church. Peter is considered the foundation of the Christian Church, which is now a symbol that his Chair represents. In honor of his service to the Church, a day of the Feast was celebrated, right from the earliest days of Christianity.

What is the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter?

Feast of the Chair of St. Peter

When is the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter Celebrated?

Originally, the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter was celebrated on January 18 and February 22. January 18 was when the Saint gave his first sermon in Rome, while February 22 was when he gave his first sermon in Antioch. 

Pope John XXIII in 1960 tried to initiate the celebration of a universal feast date which was met with a lot of disapproval. After much speculation, February 22 was made to be the official date of the Feast in the year 1969 and has been marked in the Roman Calendar since then.

Why is the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter Celebrated?

Feast of the Chair of St. Peter

One of the main reasons for celebrating the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter is to celebrate the unity of the Christian Church. Another important reason is that the Chair symbolizes the authority of Saint Peter and his dedication towards building a strong foundation for the Church. 

Saint Peter is revered in the Christian community across the globe and is an important figure when it comes to the history of the Vatican. He is considered as the first Pope and the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter marks the longstanding Papacy in Rome since the 1st century.

Mass on the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter

St. Peter’s Basilica is free to enter for all, even during mass. To be a part of the mass on the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, you can simply enter the Church after a security check. Keep in mind that there is bound to be large crowds of people waiting to get in, so it might take a few hours to bypass the security lines.

Feast of the Chair of St. Peter | Mass Timings

9:00 AM -  Altar of the Chair  

10:30 AM - Altar of the Chair 

11:15 AM - Blessed Sacrament Chapel 

12:15 PM -  Altar of the Chair 

1:00 PM - Altar of St. Joseph 

4:00 PM -  Altar of the Chair 

4:45 PM - Vespers - Altar of the Chair 

5:30 PM -  Altar of the Chair

Chair of St. Peter

Chair of St. Peter

Visit the Chair of St. Peter

Standing as a jewel in the Papal Altar of St. Peter’s Basilica is the ancient Throne of the Apostle. With a beautiful grand enclosure designed by Bernini, the Chair is one of the most treasured highlights of the Basilica. Take a look at this ancient relic on your visit to St. Peter’s Basilica.




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Frequently Asked Questions About the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter

Q. What is the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter?

A. The Feast of the Chair of St. Peter is a commemoration of the contributions of the Apostle to the Christian Church.

Q. Can I attend Mass on the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter?

A. Yes. St. Peter’s Basilica holds Mass for the public on all Holy Days including the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter.

Q. What are the mass timings on the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter?

A. Mass on Holy Days takes place at 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM, 12:15 PM, 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 4:45 PM, & 5:30 PM.

Q. When is the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter celebrated?

A. The Feast of the Chair of St. Peter is celebrated on February 22 every year.

Q. When was the original Feast of the Chair of St. Peter celebrated?

A. The Feast of the Chair of St. Peter was celebrated on January 18 and February 22.

Q. Why were there two dates for the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter?

A. Originally, the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter was celebrated on January 18 and February 22. January 18 was when the Saint gave his first sermon in Rome, while February 22 was when he gave his first sermon in Antioch.

Q. When was the official date of the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter decided?

A. The first official date of the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter was added to the Roman calendar in 1969.

Q. Why is the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter celebrated?

A. One of the main reasons for celebrating the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter is to celebrate the unity of the Christian Church. Another important reason is that  the Chair symbolizes the authority of Saint Peter and his dedication towards building a strong foundation for the Church.

Q. Where is St. Peter’s Chair?
Q. Was St. Peter’s Chair really used by Peter?

A. Legend has it that the Chair of St. Peter is the original chair that was used by the Apostle for his sermons.

Q. Can I visit St. Peter’s Chair?

A. Yes. You can visit St. Peter’s Chair inside the Papal Altar of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Q. Is it worth visiting St. Peter’s Chair?

A. Yes. The original chair is enclosed with a beautiful grand structure created by Bernini. It is definitely worth taking a look at.