June 29th is the feast day of St. Peter, and he is one of the Saints syncretized with Papa Legba.
St. Peter was one of the twelve apostles, which means many of his stories involve his interaction with Jesus. Originally a fisherman named Simon, Jesus gave him the name Cephas or Petrus, the rock. Jesus said, "upon this rock I will build my church." He added, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven." St. Peter is the first pope of the church, traveled extensively, and was martyred in Rome, most likely at the order of the Emperor Nero. Crucified upside-down, St. Peter declared himself unworthy to die the same way as Jesus. He is usually depicted as an elderly man with a book and keys, and other symbols include a boat, an inverted cross, and a cock. Travel and communication are traits St. Peter shares with Papa Legba.
Probably the most distinctive link between Papa Legba and St. Peter, one association with keys appeared later for the saint. His tomb is in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, and has been a shrine for the faithful since the fourth century. There is an area accessible through a small locked door, and keys were given to pilgrims as souvenirs.
I was pondering keys; and although they are very important in may stories they are not the only element. Besides the key, you have to find right door and the right lock. While Papa Legba is very helpful with opening doors, there may be work you need to do yourself as well!
We're wrapping up Papa Legba month, but you can serve him any time. In fact, it's very important to serve Papa! He is the gatekeeper and allows access to the other Lwa.
Love, Khouzhan Lucy
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