Simon Peter or Cephas, the first pope, Prince of the Apostles, and founder, with St. Paul, of the see of Rome.
According to rich tradition, Peter was crucified on the Vatican Hill upside down because he declared himself unworthy to die in the same manner as the Lord. He was then buried on Vatican Hill, and excavations under St. Peter’s Basilica have unearthed his probable tomb, and his relics are now enshrined under the high altar of St. Peter’s.
"In invoking St. Peter, we express once again a Legion's loyalty to Rome, the center of our faith, the source of authority, discipline and unity." (Handbook; 24, 8)
Peter’s chief feast day is June 29th. He is also honored on February 22nd and November 18th.
Novena to Saint Peter
O Holy Apostle,
because you are the Rock
upon which Almighty God has built His church;
obtain for me I pray you,
lively faith, firm hope and burning love;
complete detachment from myself,
contempt of the world,
patience in adversity,
humility in prosperity,
recollection in prayer,
purity of heart,
a right intention in all my works,
diligence in fulfilling the duties of my state of life,
constancy in my resolutions,
resignation to the will of God
and perseverance in the grace of God even unto death;
that so, by means of your intercession
and your glorious merits,
I may be worthy to appear
before the chief and eternal Shepherd of souls,
Jesus Christ,
Who with the Father
and the Holy Spirit
lives and reigns for ever.
Amen.