READINGS FOR MASS ON THE FEAST OF THE DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA, ROME, YEAR C, SUNDAY, 9TH NOVEMBER 2025.
First Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9
Psalm: 45
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17
Gospel: John 2:13-22
REFLECTION BY FR CORNELIUS NWAOGWUGWU, CM.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA, ROME.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today is the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, Rome, Year C. The Lateran Basilica is one of the four great Basilicas of Rome. The original Basilica was built by the first Christian Emperor, Constantine. The Lateran Basilica in Rome stands as the mother of all the churches of the city and the World. It is a symbol of unity and rootedness in faith. It is the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome. The incumbent Bishop of Rome is Pope Leo XIV since May 2025. The Church of St. John on the Lateran in Rome was called after St. John the Baptist and St. John the Divine. The Lateran Basilica in Rome was dedicated by Pope Sylvester I on 9 November 324 AD to Jesus Christ, the Most Holy Saviour.
Today’s liturgical celebration reminds us, not only of the end of the liturgical year, but also of the need for us to rededicate and renew ourselves in Jesus Christ, the Most Holy Saviour. Hence, my reflection focuses on the relevance of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, Rome.
It is a privilege for me to affirm that, I have visited the Lateran Basilica, Rome, on many occasions with the members of the African Chaplaincy, Dublin. It is indeed, a magnificent Church. The Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica reminds us that the Church is not just stone and structure. The Church is the living presence of God among His people. It means that the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica is more than a celebration of a building. It is a profound affirmation of the Church as a living reality. This feast echoes with deep existential and spiritual meaning for us in the African Chaplaincy.
As the mother church of all churches, the Lateran Basilica stands as a symbol of unity, faith and mission. Its dedication is a call to renew our understanding of sacred space, not confined to buildings, but found in every heart that welcomes God. For us in the African Chaplaincy, we are a migrant community in Dublin. The Lateran Basilica speaks of home, identity and divine presence in the midst of our journeying.
In today’s First Reading, the Prophet Ezekiel had a vision of water flowing from the temple, bringing life to everything it touches. His vision is a powerful image of the Church’s mission. The African migrant experience is also captured clearly in this vision often marked by displacement and uncertainty, yet, the Church like that river, flows into our lives, offering healing, hope and renewal. The African Chaplaincy, Dublin, becomes a sanctuary, a place where cultures converge and faith flourishes. (Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12).
In a similar way, St. Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians, reminds us that we are God’s building, temples of the Holy Spirit. This is a statement of fact. It is truth that resonates deeply within us in the African Chaplaincy and the Church. The foundation of this truth is not geography. The foundation is Christ. The African Chaplaincy community, though far from our native lands, our faith is built on this unshakable foundation, Jesus Christ, the Most Holy Saviour. Our mission is Christ Centred. Our worship, sense of community and care to each other form a spiritual edifice that reflects the glory of God. The feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica invites us to see ourselves as temples of the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul teaches. In a world of displacement and uncertainty, especially for us in the migrant communities, this feast affirms that wherever we gather in faith, the Church is alive. (1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17).
In today’s Gospel according to John, Jesus challenges the misuse of the temple. He points to His body as the true dwelling of God. This radical shift invites all of us to see holiness not just in sacred spaces, but in our own lives. As Christians, we face challenges. But, our struggles and resilience become a living temple where God dwells. (John 2:13-22).
The Psalmist today sings of a glorious dwelling, a place of majesty and joy. For us in the African Chaplaincy, this is not just poetic. It is certainly prophetic. Our African Chaplaincy, Dublin, is a vibrant community. Our model of worship is expressive with song, prayer, shared stories and care for each other, we become a reflection of divine beauty. In our liturgies, we proclaim that the Church is alive in us. (Psalm 45).
The Lateran Basilica, historically, has witnessed centuries of transformation, conflict and renewal. Its endurance mirrors the journey of the African migrant, marked by trials, uncertainties, yet sustained by grace. Today’s feast is a call for us to remember that the Church lives wherever believers gather in faith and love. Jesus’ cleansing of the temple reveals that true worship begins within. Like the river in Ezekiel’s vision, the Church flows through us. She brings healing, hope, life and joy. We are the Church. We are the sanctuary. We are the dwelling place of God. Hence, the African Chaplaincy in Dublin, stands as a testament to this truth. The African Chaplaincy is a river of hope where joy dwells.
As we celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, we pray that the Holy Spirit will help us to always see ourselves as part of the universal Church, rooted in Jesus Christ, flowing with grace and radiant with hope, now and forever, Amen.
Fr. Cornelius Nwaogwugwu, CM.