[NYer]

Santa Sabina, Rome

Station Churches

Day I - Ash Wednesday
“Remember, O man, you are dust and unto dust you shall return” (Prayer for the Deposition of Ashes). 

  From as early as the third century, the Church of Rome observed the season of Lent by journey each day to a "Station Church" or one of the ancient and prominent churches of Rome.  Here the Bishop of Rome, the Holy Father, would lead the people in prayer.  It is a symbol of unity as well as a pilgrimage of faith.  Unfortunately, the custom ceased during the Avignon papacy in 1305 but interest was revived by Saint Leo XIII at the turn of the 20th century.  Blessed John XXIII fully was restored the custom in 1959.

Today, from the earliest times, the Mass is celebrated in the Church of Santa Sabina, "The gem of the Aventine", and home of the Dominicans.  Santa Sabina was one of a group of martyrs who shed her blood for our faith during the Vesparian persecutions (69-79).  At 5:00 in the evening on Ash Wednesday, the Holy Father will come here to participate at an Ecumenical penance service where he will receive ashes.

[Constitutions Grandchild]

That was today’s reading in our “Little Black Book” for Lent. I am extremely pleased to say attendance has been so good that all the “Little Black Books” we had for Lent this year were gone by Saturday night. If Hubby hadn’t been kind enough to pick one up for me when he attended Saturday evening, I wouldn’t have the pleasure of my daily readings this Lent. Whew! I look forward to my daily devotions. I am, however, thrilled to say our attendance is growing as are our Bible Studies on the Book of Revelation starting next week. It’s a good time at Ste. Gen’s. She’d be happy.

[Constitutions Grandchild]

Oh, and did I mention a large number of the youth of St. Louis forming “The Friars Club”. It’s a group of 20-somethings that get together and make the rounds of all the Fish Fries at the various Parishes. The food is great (some of gourmet quality) and the young people enjoy the family atmosphere and the O U T S T A N D I N G food at a reasonable price. I guess it’s the American version of the Lenten Road and “Station” Churches.