Peter's Primacy

Also, on our second day in Tiberias (11/7), we visited the Church of Peter's Primacy.

 

The Church of the Primacy of St. Peter is a Franciscan church located in Tabgha, Israel, on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. This is the traditional site of the events of John 21 after the resurrection – Jesus cooking breakfast for the disciples, the miraculous catch of fish and Peter’s reconciliation, where Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him.

 

The church contains a projection of limestone rock in front of the present altar which is venerated as a "Mensa Christi", Latin for table of Christ. According to tradition, this is the spot where Jesus is said to have laid out a breakfast of bread and fish for the Apostles, asked Peter if he loved Him three times, and told Peter to "Feed My sheep" after the miraculous catch. This was the third time Jesus appeared to them after His Resurrection. (John 21:1-24) 

We were able to go up and touch this rock in front of the church altar.

Church of Peter's Primacy
 

"Peter's Primacy" in Latin (sign on church).

Altar with limestone rock (Mensa Christi) in Church of Peter's Primacy.

"Mensa Christi" (sign).

Fr. Chris and Deacon Rich saying Mass at an altar outside of Peter's Primacy Church. The Sea of Galilee is in the background.