[Salvation]

Santi Dodici Apostoli

 

Day X. Friday, Week I.

"By my life, I do not wish the sinner to die, says the Lord, but to turn to me and live" (Communion Antiphon for today - Ez 33:11).

Santi Dodici Apostoli. The Church of the Twelve Apostles is my parish church, erected by Julius I (337-352) over the barracks of ancient Rome's firemen and entrusted since 1463 to the Conventual Franciscans (St. Maximilian Kolbe lived here). It is a good symbol for we, the Church, in that it has survived floods (esp. 1598), earthquakes (esp. 1348), fires (esp. 1872), plagues, famines, and wars. Traditionally, this is the place where the Romans choose their candidates for priesthood (Rite of Election). Restored several times, it is stunning. So much so, I couldn't get a good picture of it. Instead, I went down into the confessio, in the style of the catacombs, where, as the signs indicate, the earthly remains of Saints Philip and James the Less have been interred since 1 May 565. Note the depiction of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, the earliest icon of our Lord. The sarcophagus depicts the Lord flanked by Philip and James and the miracle of the Multiplication of the Loaves. Also in the confessio are remains of unnamed martyrs, which were moved here from the catacombs for their safety.

[Salvation]

 

Stational Church: Saturday in the First Week of Lent

 

Today's Stational Church is at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

Information is from the Canon Regulars of St. John Cantius:

In the past, people used to prepare with prayer and fasting throughout the night before coming to this Station, which takes place in the major church of Christendom, at the tomb of the Prince of the Apostles.

It was at this Station that the Pope consecrated priests, joining to the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist that of the Ordination of Priests. The monumentality of the Basilica and the columned square, which embraces the vast crowds like immense arms, is only a framework to the great light, which from here radiates to all the world.

St. Peter, rock of the Church, bearer of the keys of God's Kingdom, great priest of Jesus Christ, holy shepherd of His flock, bless those who are called to be fishers of men.

Let us pray: Direct our actions, we beseech Thee, O Lord, by Thy inspiration and further them with Thy continual help; that every prayer of ours may begin always from Thee and through Thee likewise be ended. Through Christ, Our Lord.
Amen.