“And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.” John 21:6.
Set next to the lake, The Church of the Primacy of St. Peter is a favorite pilgrim destination because here one has access directly to the water of the lake. Depending on the year in which you visit, the water may lap right up against the stones at the base of the church, or you may have to walk out dozens of meters to touch the water.As you walk out to the water, look over to your left and notice the gushing water entering the lake from one of the seven springs that exit the ground and feed the lake in this place. The term Tabgha, an Arabic corruption of the Greek word for seven recalls for us the naming of this place due to the abundant supply of water here.
The church itself may contain the rock on which Jesus roasted the fish described in the Gospel of John (see above). The primary objective here however is understanding the role which Peter is to play after the departure of Jesus. As Jesus instructs Peter: “Tend my sheep.” (John 21:16). This instruction, in addition to Jesus previous utterance: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18) form the basis for Catholic belief that Peter was to become the first Pope.
The modern, intimate church seen here was built in 1933. It incorporates foundations and parts of a church built in the 4th century during the Byzantine period.