St. John Cantius Parish

Station - St. Cecilia

Details:

Mar. 11, 1:00 am

WEDNESDAY IN THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT
STATION - ST. CECILIA

In the heart of Trans Tiber Rome, preceded by a cheerful courtyard enclosed by a Baroque gateway portal, there towers the splendid vision of the church of St. Cecilia. St. Cecilia, the virgin–martyr, is buried in this church. In the fifth century, this church was one of the most celebrated churches in Rome.

On Ash Wednesday, the church was St. Sabina, the martyr-matron. On Wednesday of the first week of Lent, we visited St. Mary Major. On this third Wednesday it is again a woman, the virgin-martyr and “glory of the early Church,” St. Cecilia, who leads us to “the Son of man who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

One reason why Christians often are lacking in joy and holy enthusiasm is their lack of purity. We know how the flesh lusts against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh. The two cannot live in the same house. One of the two must go. St. Cecilia knew no compromise. Her baptismal garment was never stained by impurity.

Let us pray: O God, the restorer and lover of innocence, turn towards Thee the hearts of Thy servants; that being inflamed with the fervor of Thy Spirit, they may be found both steadfast in faith and fruitful in good works. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.