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Interior of St. Stepehen at Celio

Day XXXVIII. Friday, Week V. “Jesus carried our sins in his own body on the cross so that we could die to sin and live in holiness; by his wounds we have been healed” (Communion antiphon for today - 1 Pt 2:24). Santo Stefano Rotondo. Today’s church was built between 400 and 450 and consecrated by Pope Simplicius. It is one of the oldest of the churches in the round, with the altar in the center. It must have been magnificent but through subsequent “restorations”, it has lost most of its size and splendor. Due to the present “restoration”, Mass was celebrated at the altar of Saints Primus and Felicianus (see photo). They were beaten, thrown to the wolves and lions, and tortured by burning them with fire and by pouring boiling fluids down their throats, before they were ultimately beheaded. One wonders how a human person can be so cruel to another.

from St. Cantius

FRIDAY IN THE FIFTH (PASSION) WEEK OF LENT
Station—St. Stephen on Mt. Ceolius

This Lenten Station takes us back to a sacred area, which still preserves its aura of mystery. This area was sacred to the pagans, who had, on the nearby Palatine Hill, 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. Ceolius, or St. Stephen Rotondo as the Romans call it because of its circular plan, is among the most ancient of the round churches with its 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.
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.