In St Peter’s Basilica, in Rome, is preserved the throne that belonged to St Peter, Prince of the Apostles. What we see today is the precious relic, encased in bronze and gold, and designed by Bernini in the seventeenth century. It remains as a symbol of St Peter and Christ’s injunction to him to tend His sheep, to keep it ‘united in faith and in charity’, as the late Pope Benedict XVI said.

May St Peter pray for us this day, and may God bless you.