Born Simon son of Jonah, he was a Galilean fisherman working alongside his brother Andrew on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus called him Simon Peter by combining his birth name, Simon, with the new name Peter (meaning "rock" or "stone") that Jesus gave him to signify his foundational role in the church. 

Simon Peter was among one of the first called by Jesus to be a fisher of men.

He frequently served as the spokesperson for the Apostles.

He was not perfect. The Bible shows us Simon Peter’s human weaknesses when he stepped out of the boat in faith to walk to Jesus, on the water, but mistakenly took his eyes off Jesus and focussed on the storm, resulting in him nearly sinking.

It was Simon Peter who also denied knowing Jesus three times on the night of the arrest, but was fully restored when the risen Jesus asked him three times, "Do you love me?" and commanded him to "Feed my sheep."
 

Peter was recognised as the First Pope. He showed great resilience, and we look to him for inspiration and guidance as we STRIVE to lead holy lives, loving one another with all our hearts and souls.