Blessing of Palms on the Feast of Saint Peter of Verona, Monday, April 29
April 29th, is the Feast of Saint Peter of Verona (also known as Saint Peter Martyr), a 13th century Dominican inquisitor who was martyred while combating the heresies of his time. His spilled blood helped to convert his assassin who was later beatified.
St. Peter’s feast day is only celebrated universally according to the 1962 liturgical calendar. An ancient custom calls for the blessing of palms on his feast day.
The traditional belief is that the palms, when buried on one’s property, can help protect against natural disasters.
Father Reid has graciously agreed to bless palms on April 29th, and the Carolina Traditional Liturgy Society plans to distribute them at our Latin Mass tables at Saint Ann and Saint Thomas Aquinas parishes in subsequent weekends for those who do not already have them (while quantities last).
To learn more about the great Dominican saint celebrated in this custom please consult the following articles:
The Death of St. Peter Martyr
Giovanni Girolamo Savoldo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (circa 1530)
