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Interior of Ss. Giovanni e Paolo al Celio

Day III. Friday after Ash Wednesday

Lord, through this Lenten Eucharist may we grow in your love and service and become an acceptable sacrifice to you. We ask this through Christ our Lord" (Prayer Over Gifts for today).

Santi Giovanni e Paulo. Saints John and Paul were officers of the Imperial Court in Constantinople but returned home to serve Julian "The Apostate" (emperor 331-363). They were asked to prove their fidelity to the empire by renouncing their God in favor of the deities of the State. They refused and were beheaded in their home on 26 June 362.

A church was built over the site of their home in 398. It was rebuilt several times and is now one of the finest baroque churches in Rome and home to the Passionists. In fact, St. Paul of the Cross (1694-1755) is buried here. It was the titular church of Pius XII and New York Cardinals Spellman, Cooke, O'Connor, and now has Cardinal Egan as protector.

from St. Cantius

FRIDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY
Station—Sts. John and Paul

The third Lenten Station takes us up to a high hill of ancient Rome—the Celian Hill, which stands in front of the Palatine and which dominates the valley of the Circus Maximus. The church was built upon the house where Saints John and Paul were martyred and buried. Martyred in the year 361, by Julian the Apostate, they were two imperial officers in Constantine's court.
We celebrate the divine mysteries today in the light of the "two candelabras shining before the Lord," as the Church calls the two brothers John and Paul. There can be no fruitful lent without practical charity. Practical charity means that we must come to our brother's rescue sincerely, unselfishly and supernaturally.
As children of the God of charity, let us so approach today's Eucharist that it may enkindle in us the spirit of true Christian charity, and thus to "be perfect, as our heavenly Father is perfect."
Let us pray: Regard with Thy loving care, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the fast which we have begun; that the abstinence, which we keep with our body may be exercised with sincerity of mind. We ask this Through Christ, Our Lord.
Amen.