“THE filial devotedness of the Christians of Rome took alarm, and they implored Saint Peter to elude the danger for a while, by instant flight. ‘Although he would have much preferred to suffer,’ says Saint Ambrose (Contra Auxent), Peter set out along the Appian Way. Just as he reached the Capuan gate, Christ suddenly presented Himself, seemingly about to enter the city. ‘Lord, whither goest thou?’ cried out the Apostle. ‘To Rome,’ Christ replied, ‘to be there crucified again.’ The disciple understood his Master; he at once retraced his steps, having now no thought but to await his hour of martyrdom. This Gospel-like scene expresses the sequel of our Lord’s designs upon the venerable old man. With a view to founding the Christian Church in unity, He had extended to his disciple his own prophetic name of the ‘Rock,’ or ‘Stone,’ Petrus; now, even unto the Cross itself, was He about to make him His participator. Rome having replaced Jerusalem must likewise have her Calvary.”
— Dom Prosper Guéranger, “The Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul“
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