The Diocese of Rome is poised to solemnly commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran. The year-long celebration will commence on November 9, 2023, concluding on the same date in 2024.

The basilica was inaugurated by Pope Sylvester I in 324 AD, with Emperor Constantine in attendance.

Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome and Archpriest of the Lateran Basilica, remarked, “The cathedral of Rome holds a distinctive place for our Diocese and the Universal Church. It encapsulates the saga of a basilica constructed and reconstructed thrice over seventeen centuries, culminating in the present edifice from 1700. It has hosted five Ecumenical Councils. Here, Christians worldwide connect with the Bishop of Rome from the Chair of Peter. This sacred site allows us Romans to once more acknowledge the 'Lamb of God.' It is where we perceive Christ’s heartbeat, pulsating with love for humanity. Influenced by the teachings of the two Johns, our Church reaffirms its mission to lead in love.”

The Diocese of Rome published the calendar of planned events:

November 9, 2023: Dedication of the Lateran Archbasilica. 5:30 pm: Solemn Pontifical. The Choir of the Diocese of Rome, led by Monsignor Marco Frisina, will perform the songs specially composed for the event of the Dedication.

November 14 – 21-28 November – December 5, 2023: Series of religious-cultural meetings curated by Monsignor Andrea Leonardo on the theme “From Constantine to the Avignon exile.” The meetings also include access to symbolic places of the Lateran Complex: the Loggias, the Apse, some relics, and the excavations.

December 17, 2023, at 9 pm: Christmas concert of the Choir of the Diocese of Rome, directed by Monsignor Marco Frisina

January 21, 2024: Sunday of the Word of God. Invitation to read the Bible as a family and gift of the same at the end of each Mass in the Basilica. On the previous evening, there will be a meeting on Dei Verbum.

February 18, 2024: Lenten Station. The parishes of Rome that are part of the Prefectures of the Diocese, for the whole of Lent, that is until Palm Sunday, will experience a Lenten pilgrimage to the Baptistery and the Cathedral of Saint John. In it, we will relive the itinerary of Christian initiation (Baptism - Confirmation - Eucharist).

April 7, 2024: Low Sunday (Divine Mercy Sunday): a celebration to relive the baptismal dimension of the Easter just celebrated.

May 12, 2024: Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. 10:30 am: Solemn Pontifical. The particular ‘title’ of the Basilica, dedicated to the Most Holy Savior, will be celebrated. On the evening of the event at 9 pm, the “Ascension Concert” will be directed by Monsignor Marco Frisina.

June 2, 2024: Solemnity of the Body and Blood of the Lord. 10:30 am: Solemn Pontifical. At the end, there is a procession with the Blessed Sacrament in the Adoration Chapel. The 50th anniversary of the institution of Perpetual Adoration at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel was established by Cardinal Poletti in 1974. A triduum in the Adoration Chapel will precede the event.

June 24, 2024: Solemnity of the Birth of Saint John the Baptist. At 5 pm: Solemn Vespers and at 5:30 pm: Solemn Pontifical.

November 1, 2024, at 9 pm: Concert In hoc signo. Paintings of Constantine’s life. Performed by the Choir of the Diocese of Rome, directed by Mons. Marco Frisina.

November 9, 2024: Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. Solemn Pontifical at 5:30 pm. Closing of the celebrations of the 1,700th anniversary of the Lateran Archbasilica. During the day, at different times, the presentation of the Basilica starts from the Apse to the Baptistery.

(Translated by Jacob Stein)

This article was originally published on ACI Stampa.