Gazes and gestures invite the viewer to a deep conversation. Benvenuto Tisi, also known as Garofalo, most likely painted this small work for private devotion. Central to the image is the Virgin Mary in all her regal beauty, adorned with light. The lively Christ child plays with the keys, which he will later give to Peter. His energetic pose contrasts with Mary, whose eyes look at him with love as she sits on the royal throne.

This is the perfect example of holy conversation, also known as Sacra Conversazione. High Renaissance art displayed devotionals with Mary and the child as the central figure, gathered around them are the saints. They don’t seem to talk to each other because they are drawing us into communion with Mary and Jesus.

In this holy conversation, Jesus reminds us that while he is found everywhere, he is also joyfully and fully somewhere. He is in his church, of which Peter is the chief custodian.

Paul stands with the symbol of his martyrdom. He is pointing to Christ. This is the summary of all his New Testament letters. It is not about him; it is about Christ, the central protagonist of human history.

These two men are celebrated today as patrons of Rome.

A longstanding hymn sung by all believers on June 29 speaks poetically of Peter and Paul’s influence on the Church. It is attributed to Elphis, the wife of Boethius. While Boethius is hailed in the Eastern Church as a saint and gave the world The Consolation of Philosophy, his wife gave us the poetry of these two illustrious saints that have stood the test of time!

What fairer light is this than time itself doth own, the golden day with beams more radiant brightening? The princes of God’s Church this feast day doth enthrone, to sinners heavenward bound their burden lightening.

One taught mankind its creed, one guards the heavenly gate, Founders of Rome, they bind the world in loyalty; One by the sword achieved, one by the cross his fate; with laurelled brows they hold eternal royalty.

Rejoice, O Rome, this day, thy walls they once did sign with princely blood, who now their glory share with thee. What city’s vesture glows with crimson deep as thine? What beauty else has earth that may compare with thee?

To God the three in one eternal homage be,
All honour, all renown, all songs victorious,
Who rules both heaven and earth by one divine decree to everlasting years in empire glorious.

The walls of Rome were signed with princely blood. We are called to share in this glory. Today’s feast day is a reminder that foundations are important! Who or what are the foundations that guide your Christian life? Who or what do your foundations point to in their gaze and gestures?

Today in Rome, Pope Leo XIV will confer the pallium on 32 newly appointed metropolitan archbishops from around the world, during the Mass for the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul at St. Peter’s Basilica. Of these 32, four come from the United States:

Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks (New York)
Archbishop James F. Checchio (New Orleans)
Archbishop James R. Golka (Denver)
Archbishop Mark S. Rivituso (Mobile, Alabama)

With Peter and Paul in mind, let us pray for the unity of the Church. May Christ be the firm foundation of all believers! Happy Feast Day!