Since the 3rd or 4th century, the solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul has been celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church. For many centuries, it has been a holy day of obligation. Yes, it IS a holy day of obligation. Just not in the United States or in many other places. The 1983 Code of Canon Law speaks thus:

Sunday, on which by apostolic tradition the paschal mystery is celebrated, must be observed in the universal Church as the primordial holy day of obligation. The following days must also be observed: the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Epiphany, the Ascension, the Body and Blood of Christ, Holy Mary the Mother of God, her Immaculate Conception, her Assumption, Saint Joseph, Saint Peter and Saint Paul the Apostles, and All Saints.

Can. 1246 §1.

The next line of the canon does give episcopal conferences the ability to dispense with the solemnity, though. And many have, for various reasons. Some might say that here in America, we have no great devotion to these saints, nor is it a civic holiday, such as in Rome. It would therefore be difficult to mandate liturgical attendance under these circumstances.

That’s not unreasonable, but given the current climate of political, cultural, pontifical and ecclesiastical matters, perhaps there’s no better time to take this devotion up.

St Stephens parish will celebrate the feast of Saints Peter and Paul June 29th 6:30PM as a missa cantata.

Also, as June 29 is a Thursday, daily morning Masses at Mary Queen of Peace (6:15am) and Immaculate Conception Cleveland (7am) will be available.

featured image/St Stephen, March 15, 2020, the last Sunday before ecclesiastical covid lockdowns