[Salvation]

Catholic Culture

The Station today is in St. Lawrence's in Damaso—a church built by Pope St. Damascus in honor of the martyred deacon. It was one of the first parish churches in Rome and was rebuilt in the late 15th century by Bramante, and has since been restored several times. Pope St. Damasus' relics are beneath the altar. Today the church is part of the Cancelleria, or the chancery, and houses the Holy Father's Tribunals: the Roman Rota, Apostolic Signatura, and Apostolic Penitentiary.

[Salvation]

Interior of St. Lawrence in Damasus

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Day XXVIII. Tuesday, Week IV.

"The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. In green pastures he gives me rest, he leads me beside restful waters of
peace" (Communion antiphon for today - Ps 23:1-2).

San Lorenzo in Damaso. This is another ancient church dedicated to Saint Lawrence by Pope Saint Damasus I (366-384) over his house. Today it is part of the Cancelleria, or the chancery, and houses the Holy Father's Tribunals: the Roman Rota, Apostolic Signatura, and Apostolic Penitentiary. The Roman Rota judges all judicial cases (especially marriage and rights). The Apostolic Signatura hears all cases of administrative recourse and watches over the lower tribunals. The Sacred Penitentiary hears all cases involving the internal forum. For example, there are certain sins, which only the Holy Father can absolve (i.e., a priest who reveals a confession). This tribunal will here these petitions for forgiveness in the name of the Pope.