Posted on 02/10/2005 8:03:46 PM PST by AncientAirs
ROME, FEB. 10, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Lent is when Rome offers its international community the chance to grow in holiness through the traditional "station church" pilgrimage in their own languages.
I am not a keen early riser, but during the Lenten season in Rome, I find myself actually pleading with colleagues to change shifts so that I can have more time to attend the 7 a.m. Masses in a different Roman church every day. That amounts to around 46 churches over seven weeks.
And I am not alone. In fact, due to the large crowds, it's recommended that pilgrims get to the churches early.
Codified by Pope Gregory the Great at the end of the sixth century, this tradition dates back to the origins of Christianity when the first Roman faithful went on pilgrimage to the tombs of the martyrs.
The custom also strengthened the sense of community within the Church in Rome, as this system meant that the Holy Father could visit each part of the city and celebrate Mass with the congregation.
In addition to Mass, the station services consist of a procession, the Litany of Saints and veneration of relics.
These days, the station churches which are appointed for the special morning and evening services during Lent and Easter, range from the major basilicas to less prominent, medieval chapels. All are magnificent.
Because of restoration works and practical problems, stations are sometimes changed. To confirm the schedule for the day, the English-speakers can just contact the North American College.
Those who cannot get to Rome can visit the station churches virtually, via Father William Swengros' "electronic pilgrimage" at
www.mostholyname.org/stationchurches/index.htm.
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