Saint Peter and Saint Paul

June 29 is the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. It honours the martyrdom in Rome of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. The celebration is of ancient origin, the date selected being the anniversary either of their death or of the translation (movement) of their relics. 

Each year on this day in Rome - Archbishops who have been named in the preceeding year receive a Pallium from the Pope.  The Pallium is a sign of the responsibility and Archbishop has for the Metropolitan See with which he has been entrusted. When this feast falls on a Sunday - it supplants the usual Sunday in Ordinary Time  (13th Sunday this Year). The vestments are Red for this feast because both Peter and Paul were Martyred.  St. Peter was crucified, like Jesus - except that he was upside down, while St. Paul was killed by the sword - that is why he is often depicted holding a sword.