St. John Cantius Parish

Station - St. Stephen on Mt. Coelius

Details:

Apr. 3, 2:00 am

FRIDAY IN THE FIFTH (PASSION) WEEK OF LENT
STATION – ST. STEPHEN ON MT. COELIUS

This Lenten Station takes us back to a sacred area which still preserves its aura of mystery. The area was sacred to the pagans who had, on the nearby Palatine, the black rock of the Magna Mater and who had there the sacred land on which the “profane” outsiders were forbidden to set foot. It was sacred also to the Christians who even today venerate it as the place which gave martyrdom and glory to saints. St. Stephen on Mt. Coelius, or St. Stephen Rotondo as the Romans call it because of its circular plan, is among the most ancient of the round churches with the altar in the center and thus visible from all sides. It was built between 400 and 450 and was consecrated by Pope Simplicius.

St. Stephen was the first martyr or witness of Christ. While dying, he beheld the Savior at the right hand of the Father in heaven. Thus it was fitting to assemble in this basilica at this holy time, consecrated to the memory of the Savior’s Passion, which prepares us to celebrate His triumph at Easter.

The interior decoration of this church contains a series of frescos depicting a martyrology of 34 saints.

Let us pray: Pour forth Thy grace into our hearts, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that we who refrain from sin by self-denial, may be rather afflicted in time than condemned to eternal punishment. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.