[Salvation]

Catholic Culture

The Station today is at the church of St. Praxedes which was built over St. Praxedes' house. It was one of the twenty-five original parishes in Rome. It is easily one of the most beautiful churches in the Eternal City and is bedecked with incredibly beautiful mosaics. The present church is the one built by Pope Adrian I c. 780, completed and altered by Pope St. Paschal I c. 822. It was enlarged at that time mainly to serve as a repository for relics from the catacombs.

[Salvation]

Interior of St. Praxedes

Day XLI.  Monday, Holy Week

"Defend me, Lord, from all my foes: take up your arms and come swiftly to my aid for you have the power to save me" (Entrance antiphon for today - Ps 34:1-2; 139:8).

Santa Prassede. Saint Praxedes is the sister of Saint Pudenziana (Day 21, Tuesday, Week III) and the daughter of Senator Pudens. Saint Praxedes sheltered persecuted Christians in her home. Twenty-three were discovered and slaughtered before her eyes. She then mopped up their blood and hid the sponge in a well. This was discovered and she was also martyred.

Day 41 continued....next page

Day XLI.  Monday, Holy Week Built over Saint Praxedes' house, this church was one of the 25 original parishes in Rome and is easily one of the most beautiful churches in the Eternal City. A stone's throw from Saint Mary Major, it is bedecked with incredibly beautiful mosaics. In one chapel, aptly called "The Garden of Paradise", one is surrounded by golden mosaics. The first thing one sees is the Virgin and Child surrounded by Saint Zeno and his brother Saint Valentine (see photo). Day 41, continued...more photos >

Day XLI.  Monday, Holy Week Day 41 Photos