Peter and his brother Andrew were fishermen on the Sea of Galilee and were the first two disciples to follow Jesus. After Pentecost, Peter became the leader of the apostles and travelled through Palestine and Asia Minor where he worked multiple miracles and converted many followers. Around 44 AD he left for Rome where he set up a community of which he became the first bishop. He was crucified in 64 or 67 AD during a period of major persecution by Emperor Nero.

Originally named Simon, the Gospel of Mark tells us that Peter received his new name from Jesus as a sign of his role in the construction of the future Church: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church” (Mt 16:17-19). Ever since early Christianity Peter has been represented with a set of keys, traditionally composed of two which are the key of Heaven and the key of Earth.

Prayer to St. Peter

O Holy Apostle, because you are the Rock upon which Almighty God has built his church; obtain for me I pray you, lively faith, firm hope and burning love; complete detachment from myself, contempt of the world, patience in adversity, humility in prosperity, recollection in prayer, purity of heart, a right intention in all my works, diligence in fulfilling the duties of my state of life, constancy in my resolutions, resignation to the will of God and perseverance in the grace of God even unto death; that so, by means of your intercession and your glorious merits, I may be made worthy to appear before the chief and eternal Shepherd of souls, Jesus Christ, Who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns for ever. Amen.