PETER RECEIVES THE KEYS TO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN

As you stand in the middle isle of the Church, the first window on your right coming from the alter is Jesus giving the keys to the Kindom of Heaven to Peter. (Matthew 16:18ff) As a sign of great favor, persons receive the "key of a city" for some outstanding work. From the time Jesus saw Peter, He singled him out as the one who would lead His Church at its beginnings. He changed his name to Peter meaning Rock. "Thou art Peter, and upon this Rock I will build My Church". In explaining this window to anyone you cannot help but come to the conclusion that the Church entrusted to Peter is the same Catholic Church in existance in the world today governed by the successor of St. Peter.