IFTTT Autopost 
Today, Catholic Christians celebrate the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, two men who had a profound influence on the Church not only in their own time, but also through the ages.
Peter was a fisherman, son of Jonah and brother of Andrew. Originally, Peter was called Simon, but Jesus gave him the name Rock, or Peter. He gave Peter the command to lead the other apostles, and this Peter did. Though Jesus is the Head of the Catholic Church, he made Peter the first earthly head of the Church, the first Pope or “papa.” Like all human beings, Peter was not perfect, but he did his best with what he had.
Paul was originally named Saul, and he was a well-known terrorist. But one day, as he was riding his horse, God struck him down. From that time, Saul became known as Paul, an ardent follower of Christ. Not only was he perhaps the most effective missionary of the early Church, but he was also the most influential writer. In fact, almost every Sunday of the year, we read something from St. Paul in the Eucharist. Much of our theology comes directly from his writings. One of Paul’s most important teachings was that all are invited to be members of the Church, not just Jewish people.
Both Peter and Paul gave their lives for Christ as martyrs.
