[Salvation]

Stational Church: Thursday in the First Week of Lent

Today's Stational Church is at the Church of St. Lawrence in Panisperna.
Information is from the Canon Regulars of St. John Cantius:

This church was built in ancient times under the Emperor Valerian on the site of the martyrdom of Saint Lawrence (258). In its harmonious interior, at the end of the nave is a large fresco depicting the martyrdom of Saint Lawrence.

We place all our Lenten petitions in the hands of the "standard-bearer of the Roman Church"-St. Lawrence, to whose prayers and martyrdom is attributed the final triumph at Rome of the Cross over paganism—of light over darkness. May the Holy Deacon, whose heart was filled with Eucharistic fervor, accompany us on this Thursday to the reception of "the bread, which is Christ's flesh for our life for that of the whole world."

Let us pray: Mercifully look down, we beseech Thee, O Lord, upon the devotion of Thy people, that they who are mortified in the flesh by abstinence, may be refreshed in mind by the fruit of good works. We ask this Through Christ, Our Lord.
Amen.

[Salvation]

San Lorenzo in Panisperna

 

Day IX.  Thursday, Week I

"My Lord, our King, you alone are God. Help me, who am alone and have no help but you" (First Reading for today - Esther C-14).

San Lorenzo in Panisperna. Saint Lawrence was one of the seven deacons of Rome and was martyred in 258, four days after Sixtus II (257-258) during the Valerian persecution (253-260). The emperor knew that the Christians were noted for their generosity and so he assumed the Church was rich. He ordered Saint Lawrence to appear before him with the treasures of the Church. Saint Lawrence did so. He returned with the poor and sick saying "Here is the Church's treasure." He was put to death at the site of today's Station Church by being roasted alive on a grill. Tradition says that at one point, he asked his executioners to turn him over so he could be burnt evenly (see photo and notice the tabernacle!). Also inside this church is one of the crucifixes which was said to have spoken to St Bridget (see photo).

The Station Masses on Thursdays took place in the traditional diaconate churches in Rome - dedicated to feeding the poor.

 

This is accord with the Holy Thursday, the day when we were first fed the Bread of Life and Cup of Salvation. The church of Saint Lawrence, true to her patron, was always one of the diaconate churches in Rome. That is probably were the title "Panisperna" is derived (panis - bread and perna - ham). The monks probably distributed ham sandwiches!

Photo:  San Lorenzo in Panisperna....
"one of the crucifixes which was said
to have spoken to St. Bridget."