SOLEMNITY OF SAINTS PETER & PAUL, Apostles (June 29)- Today is an exceptional event on our calendar: the regular Sunday of Ordinary Time is eclipsed by a solemnity honoring two saints who didn’t spend much time together in their earthly ministry, and who have distinct feasts, so they probably don’t mind sharing this one. Yet each suffered a similar fate in the same city, Rome, during the persecution of Emperor Nero. Nero probably ordered the destruction of many of the residential neighborhoods in service to his building projects, and when the homeless began to look for someone to blame for the fires, Nero targeted the Christians. Soon, Peter was crucified, upside down, on the Vatican hill. Excavations under the Vatican Basilica have proven the authenticity of his burial place near the place of his death. Paul, a Roman citizen, was later granted swifter execution by sword, and is remembered at a vast basilica on the city outskirts. Peter and Paul though they shared a mission, were opposites. Peter was rough and ready, Paul poetic and polished. Peter carried a burden of regret for his denials; Paul had his own issues as a Christian persecutor with which he struggled. Peter leapt over barriers to go to the Gentiles; Paul strove with and surrendered to the same call. True, they spent very little time together in this life, but the same Spirit filled their hearts and with their witness changed the face of the earth.