A very ancient tradition still thrives in Rome, the Lenten Station Churches. During the pontificate of Pope Gregory the Great (6th century) each day of Lent was linked with a particular church of the city. In the olden days the Bishop of Rome would visit each church on its particular day as a means to foster unity within the Roman Church.
Today the Pope no longer visits every church or station, but does visit the first one on Ash Wednesday, Santa Sabina.
During my four years in Rome I took part of this annual pilgrimage walking, riding buses and often riding my bike to attend 7am Mass at each church. This pilgrimage makes Lent a true journey of sacrifice, prayer and beauty. To view pictures of all station churches taken by me and brief comments on each one, click on the link below. Once you pull it up, click on the screen to make the comments appear.
Roman Station Church Slide Show
A friend of mine wrote the latest Roman Lenten Station Church guidebook, Procedamus in Pace. The text of this guidebook makes up most of the text of the following online guide of the Station Churches.
Station Churches of Rome – The Pontifical North American College
I hope you enjoy learning about this beautiful tradition!
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