Once again, our thanks to Agnese for sharing her pictures of the Roman station Masses with our readers.
Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent - San Lorenzo in Damaso
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| A particularly nice display of relics. |
Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent - St Paul Outside-the Walls
This station, at the Basilica which houses the tomb of the Apostle of the Gentiles, was traditionally the day of one of the most important scrutinies, the rituals by which the Church prepared the catechumens for baptism on Easter night. The Gospel is historically that of the Man Born Blind, John 9, 1-38, whose anointing, according to the Fathers, represents the anointing of the catechumens.
Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent - San Martino ai Monti
Since the 16th century, this church has been the generalate of the Carmelites of the Old Observance, some of are seen below participating in the procession before Mass.
Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent - St Eusebius
In the historical lectionary, this was the day on which the Gospel of the Raising of Lazarus (John 11, 1-45) was read; the station was therefore kept at the church of Saint Eusebius on the Esquiline hill, right next to a very ancient Roman cemetery. (This church has also gotten in the habit of getting an early start with the Passiontide veils...)
