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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is St. Peter the patron saint of?

St. Peter is the patron saint of popes, the papacy, fishermen, net makers, the city of Rome, bridges, cobblers, and bakers. His patronage of fishermen comes directly from his life as a working fisherman on the Sea of Galilee before Christ called him, while his patronage of popes and the papacy reflects his role as the first Bishop of Rome and the visible head of the early Church. Catholics in all of these vocations and many others wear his medal as a daily invocation of his intercession and a reminder of the rock-solid faith Christ called him to embody.

Why did Jesus give Simon the name Peter?

Jesus renamed Simon with the Aramaic word Cephas — translated into Greek as Petros and into English as Peter — meaning "rock" or "stone," as recorded in Matthew 16:18 when He declared, "You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church." The name was not merely a nickname but a mission statement, designating Simon as the foundation on which the visible Church would be built and the one entrusted with the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. This renaming is one of the most theologically significant moments in the Gospels, and it is why St. Peter medals so often depict him holding crossed keys — a direct visual reference to the authority Christ conferred on him that day.

When is the feast day of St. Peter?

The feast of St. Peter is celebrated on June 29, a solemnity he shares with St. Paul the Apostle, observed as the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul. This is one of the oldest feasts in the Roman liturgical calendar, dating back to at least the third century, and it is a holy day of obligation in many countries around the world. The shared feast reflects the tradition that both apostles were martyred in Rome under Emperor Nero — Peter by crucifixion and Paul by beheading — and together they are honored as the twin pillars of the Roman Church.

Is St. Peter really buried under St. Peter's Basilica in Rome?

Archaeological excavations conducted beneath the high altar of St. Peter's Basilica beginning in the 1940s uncovered a first-century necropolis and a specific tomb venerated as Peter's since at least the second century. Pope Paul VI announced in 1968 that bone fragments found in a niche within that tomb had been identified as belonging to a robust, elderly man of the first century, and he stated that they were believed to be the relics of St. Peter. While absolute certainty is impossible at a historical distance of two thousand years, the scholarly and ecclesiastical consensus holds that the basilica is indeed built over the apostle's burial site, making it one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations in the world.

What does a St. Peter medal typically look like?

Most St. Peter medals depict the apostle in profile or facing forward, holding two crossed keys — one gold and one silver — that represent the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven given to him by Christ in Matthew 16:19. Many versions show him also holding the Gospels or a shepherd's staff, and some feature the papal tiara to emphasize his role as the first pope. The reverse of the medal often carries a prayer for his intercession or the words "St. Peter, Pray for Us." Our Bliss Manufacturing medals are struck with exceptional detail that makes these traditional symbols crisp and recognizable even on smaller medal sizes.

Are your St. Peter medals made in the USA, and do they come with a guarantee?

Yes — every St. Peter medal sold on rosarycard.net is made in the United States by Bliss Manufacturing, a family-owned American studio with a long-standing reputation for quality religious jewelry. Bliss produces each medal in sterling silver, 14kt gold filled, and 14kt solid gold, using traditional die-striking methods that produce fine detail and lasting durability. All medals are backed by a lifetime guarantee: if your medal ever has a defect in materials or craftsmanship, we will replace it at no charge, because we believe a devotional medal should last a lifetime and beyond.

The Story of St. Peter the Apostle

Born Simon bar Jonah in Bethsaida on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, Peter was a working fisherman when Jesus of Nazareth approached him and his brother Andrew on the lakeshore and said simply, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." From that moment, Peter became the most prominent of the Twelve Apostles — impulsive, passionate, and deeply human. Jesus gave him the Aramaic name Cephas, translated into Greek as Petros and into English as Peter, meaning "rock," signaling the role he would play in the early Church. Peter was present at the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor, walked briefly on water before his faith wavered, and was the first apostle to enter the empty tomb on Easter morning. His threefold denial of Christ on the night of the arrest is among the most honest moments in the Gospels, and his threefold restoration by the risen Christ on the shore of Galilee — "Do you love me? Feed my sheep" — is among the most tender. After Pentecost, Peter preached boldly in Jerusalem, performed miracles, and eventually led the Church from Rome, where he was crucified upside down under Nero's persecution. Archaeological excavations beneath the high altar of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City have uncovered what scholars widely accept as his bones, making the basilica one of the most sacred sites in Christendom.

Why Catholics Wear a St. Peter Medal

The tradition of wearing a St. Peter medal is rooted in the apostle's unique role as the visible head of the Church and the keeper of the keys of heaven — imagery drawn directly from Matthew 16:19, where Christ promises Peter the keys of the Kingdom. Most St. Peter medals depict the apostle holding two crossed keys, one gold and one silver, representing the power to bind and loose on earth and in heaven. Many versions also show him holding the Gospels or a staff, and some feature the papal tiara in the background to emphasize his role as the first pope. Fishermen and those who work on water have venerated Peter for centuries, carrying his medal as a daily blessing and protection at sea. Beyond the maritime trades, Peter's medal is worn by anyone who wants to deepen their connection to the apostolic foundation of the Catholic Church — those who feel called to bold faith despite personal weakness, who find in Peter's story of failure and restoration a mirror of their own spiritual journey. The medal is a tactile reminder that Christ builds His Church not on perfect people but on those who, despite their stumbling, love Him and answer His call.

Our St. Peter Medal Collection

Our St. Peter medals are available in three precious metal options to suit every devotion and budget. Sterling silver medals offer the classic look of fine religious jewelry at an accessible price point, while 14kt gold filled medals provide a warm, lasting gold finish that resists tarnishing over years of daily wear. For those seeking an heirloom-quality piece, our 14kt solid gold St. Peter medals are crafted to be passed down through generations. All medals are available in multiple sizes, typically ranging from small round styles suited for children and teens to larger oval or round formats favored by adults. Chains are included in standard lengths, with options to suit both men and women. Every piece in this collection is made in the USA by Bliss Manufacturing and backed by our lifetime guarantee — if your medal ever has a defect in materials or workmanship, we will replace it. Orders over $40 ship free. Explore related collections including St. Paul medals for the June 29 feast, St. Andrew medals for another apostle and fisherman, and our full range of patron saint of fishermen medals for maritime workers.

Giving a St. Peter Medal as a Gift

The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29 is the single most meaningful occasion to give a St. Peter medal, and pairing it with a St. Paul medal makes a gift set that honors the two pillars of the Roman Church together. This feast is widely celebrated in Italian-American, Polish, and Filipino Catholic communities with processions and family gatherings, making it a natural moment for a religious jewelry gift. A St. Peter medal is also a cherished ordination gift for a newly ordained priest or deacon, connecting him symbolically to the apostolic line that stretches back to the first Bishop of Rome. For Confirmation candidates who have chosen Peter as their Confirmation saint, a sterling silver or gold medal engraved with the date of their Confirmation makes a keepsake they will carry for life. Fishermen and commercial maritime workers appreciate receiving a St. Peter medal as a blessing for their livelihood — it is a gift that is both spiritually meaningful and practically carried every day on the water. All rosarycard.net medals arrive in gift-ready packaging, and orders over $40 ship free across the United States.