Station Churches

It is Lent. That is not a new bit of news, but it does mean a few changes in my routine. The most significant are the station Churches. I shared this devotion with you last year. In the days of early Christianity, during the important holy days, including each day of Lent, the Pope would celebrate Mass at a different Church in Rome. Over time particular churches were associated with particular days -- these became known as station churches. While in theory this devotion was never abandoned (the Roman Missal continued to list the stational church for each day up until the Second Vatican Council), it fell into disuse. Heeding to the request of the council to return to ancient customs the North American College re-introduces the stations for English-speakers.

So now each morning, through the quiet and still dark streets of Rome it is possible to see the mysterious (but joyful) group of young men dressed like priest making there way to that days station.

While I will not be able to make it to every station, I hope to make it to more this year, and to take you along with me as we go.

Some Websites:
North American College Guide to the Station Churches
Roman Stational Churches - A Spiritual Guide through Lent (from the Canons of Saint John Cantius in Chicago)