“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Lc 22, 31-32).
For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance. (2Tim 4, 6-8).
Meditation
The Liturgy unites in a single celebration Peter, head of the Church, and Paul the Apostle of the Gentiles. Both are the living foundation of the Church seeded with their labours, with their incessant preaching and finally fertilized with their martyrdom. [...] What graces will we give you, O blessed Apostles, for the many labours you have sustained for us? I remember you, O Peter, and I am amazed; I remember you, O Paul, and I yearn for tears. I do not know what to say, I cannot utter a word contemplating your sufferings. How many prisons have you sanctified! How many chains you have honored! How many torments you have sustained! How many curses you have tolerated! How far you have carried Christ! How you have gladdened the churches with your preaching! (St. John Chrysostom, Sermon, from Metafraste 59, 494).
An inscription of Ss Peter and Paul dating to the early 4th-century - Vatican Mueusms
Invocations
Lord, you prayed for Peter, that his faith might not fail, confirm the faith of your Church.
St. Peter and St. Paul, united in the glory of Heaven, pray for us
After the Resurrection you appeared to Simon Peter and manifested yourself to Paul on the road to Damascus. Enlighten our minds, so that we can recognize in you the Son of the living God.
St. Peter and St. Paul, united in the glory of Heaven, pray for us
You elected Paul an apostle, to proclaim your name to the Gentiles. Make us witnesses and proclaimers of the Gospel.
St. Peter and St. Paul, united in the glory of Heaven, pray for us
You have forgiven the Apostle Peter who had denied you three times; forgive us all our trespasses.
St. Peter and St. Paul, united in the glory of Heaven, pray for us.
Our Father,
Hail Mary,
Glory be
PRAYER
O God, who gladdens us with the solemn celebration of St. Peter and St. Paul, let your Church always follow the teaching of the apostles from whom she received the first proclamation of the faith. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who is God, and who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen.