November 9th in the Catholic Church is the feast of the Dedication of St. John Lateran Basilica. This is celebrated as an important feast because it is the first basilica in Rome. A basilica is a church that is built to hold the most people, as opposed to chapel, shrine, church, cathedral and then basilica.
Who is John Lateran? The land the basilica is on, once had the Laterani family's palace there. I think it is nice that the family's name is carried on.
Why John? The answer is not one John, but two. The name refers to John the Baptist and John the Gospel writer.
That's why the church considers the dedication of St. John Lateran Basilica worthy to be celebrated.
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