What - or Who - A Church Must Be

Reflections on the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

by Fr. Earl A. P. Valdez

Today the whole Church celebrates the feast of the dedication of the Lateran Basilica, one of the so-called four major basilicas in the world. And while we are more familiar with the St. Peter’s Basilica as the Church for us Catholics, the Lateran Basilica is actually the Pope’s seat as the Diocese of Rome. Therefore, it claims the title of the mother church of all the churches in the world, dedicated to Christ and in honor of two great John’s in the life of Our Savior: the Baptist and the Evangelist. 

However, despite the towering figure of the Basilica as well as its marvelous architecture and collection of sculptures, this church has a rather rough history. Since its foundation in the early fourth century, it has become a victim of many fires and accidents, and it was in fact abandoned during the time when the papacy had to move to Avignon in France. And it was only in the middle of the 18th century that the church was reconstructed in its original form. 

Papal Archbasilica of St John Lateran. Photo by Margaux Salcedo

Whenever I enter there and marvel at its appearance, I am drawn to reflect on the history of this church, which more or less reflects the history of the Church (with a capital ‘C’), that is, ourselves as the people of God. For the past two millennia since our foundation, the Church has had a rich history, with its moments of ups and downs, with great scandals and grand successes, with moments both unforgettable and, at times, regrettable.

I also remember how the Church has grown in the Philippines. Inasmuch as evangelization came with colonial power, we have come to embrace it as our own, giving it a distinctly Filipino character. I remember how communities of faith have sowed the seeds planted by our heroes toward true freedom, a fight which we continue until now.

But then I also could not refuse the part in which our failures and shortcomings, both as individuals and as a community, have gotten ahead of us, such as choosing privilege and comfort over the long and difficult walk that the common Filipino has had over the years. 

In all of this, I ask. What, then, is the Church?

On this feast of the so-called archbasilica of Lateran, in remembering its rich history in which we as Filipinos are inevitably connected, we are reminded with a bit of irony.

It is not these grand architectural wonders that are properly called the Church. Rather, it is the people who are called to be part of it.

It is not the sturdy walls and pillars that made the Church firm in its commitment in history; rather, it is the simple faith of the lowly and the humble, who remind us that we are the Church not because we are holy or prestigious. Rather, it is because of grace that we are so. We do not exist to play with worldly powers and outwit them in the games that they play, rather, we exist because of the simple call of Our Lord to follow Him, the same Lord who gave us the grace to stand up and accept His invitation, like his Apostles did. 

The mosaic in the apse of the Lateran Basilica shows Sts Paul and Peter—the patrons of Rome—and the Blessed Virgin; St John the Evangelist and John the Baptist—the patrons of the Lateran Basilica, and St Andrew, as well as the smaller figures of St. Francis on the left and St. Anthony of Padua on the right. Photo by Margaux Salcedo

One final thing before I leave the Lateran Basilica every time I visit is to stare at the image of St. Francis of Assisi right in front of the Basilica, a bronze statue which recalls how he waited to get an audience with Pope Innocent III to recount the call he received from Christ to renew the Church at a time when it was too attached to the worldly powers. Apparently, it was only a confirmation of the dream of the Pope, in which a shabby, Italian man in robes carried on his arms the falling Basilica. It was at this moment, or so the legend says, that the Pope without hesitation approved of the establishment of the Franciscan order. 

For me this is a reminder of what we are as a Church: always in renewal, always carrying on our shoulders and arms the mission of continuously drawing God’s people to Himself, especially the least, the last, and the lost.

Given the burden and blessing of history, this is surely a difficult task, but one that can only be possible because of Our Lord who continues to accompany us each day.