Rome Day 3 A journey underground... the catacombs!
Yesterday, we set off to the catacombs of Priscilla, on the outskirts of Rome. It is the largest of the six main ancient catacombs in the area, with more than 10 miles of tunnels and 40,000 graves! Although its location was lost for many centuries, these early Christian burial sites were rediscovered in the 16th century. Unfortunately, many of them were looted from the 16th-19th century, and even the barbarians looted them in millennia past.
Nevertheless, I highly encourage all to visit them for they hold many spiritual and yes, physical treasures.
The entrance is a small monastery and chapel built upon the foundation of the ancient house of Priscilla, a Roman noblewoman who donated her cellar and the entire property to the first Christians in Rome, so they could bury their dead.
Upon descending into the dimly lit darkness, the cool underground air was a welcome relief from the heat of Rome! Hand hewn out of volcanic rock similar to that found in California and Hawaii, the catacombs are a sight to behold! We were able to see the oldest image of the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus (circa 220 AD!) and that of the three Magi adoring the Child Jesus on Mary's lap (Circa 240 AD!), both painted on tomb frescos during the persecutions of the Christians!!!! It was great to see our Catholic faith concretely confirmed by the witness of these early believers! We then had the opportunity to celebrate Holy Mass deep within Priscilla's cellar, just off the room containing the image of the Magi. Fr. Fowler, the PNAC's admission director, gave a wonderful homily reminding us to recapture our original zeal for the Lord. I couldn't help but be struck by the color of his red vestments and the blood of the witnesses it symbolizes... It was truly a moving experience singing the same Latin chants that the early Christians would have understood!
Here's some pictures:
Nevertheless, I highly encourage all to visit them for they hold many spiritual and yes, physical treasures.
The entrance is a small monastery and chapel built upon the foundation of the ancient house of Priscilla, a Roman noblewoman who donated her cellar and the entire property to the first Christians in Rome, so they could bury their dead.
Upon descending into the dimly lit darkness, the cool underground air was a welcome relief from the heat of Rome! Hand hewn out of volcanic rock similar to that found in California and Hawaii, the catacombs are a sight to behold! We were able to see the oldest image of the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus (circa 220 AD!) and that of the three Magi adoring the Child Jesus on Mary's lap (Circa 240 AD!), both painted on tomb frescos during the persecutions of the Christians!!!! It was great to see our Catholic faith concretely confirmed by the witness of these early believers! We then had the opportunity to celebrate Holy Mass deep within Priscilla's cellar, just off the room containing the image of the Magi. Fr. Fowler, the PNAC's admission director, gave a wonderful homily reminding us to recapture our original zeal for the Lord. I couldn't help but be struck by the color of his red vestments and the blood of the witnesses it symbolizes... It was truly a moving experience singing the same Latin chants that the early Christians would have understood!
Here's some pictures:
The monastery
Walls with particles of marble dug up in the excavations
Original frescos depicting Christ the Good Shepherd above and early Christians praying
In the far right fresco, the head of the earliest image of Our Lady is visible!
May we be inspired by the witness of so many saints buried here! Over 300 martyrs and a handful of early popes are buried here. We also saw St. Filomenia's original grave!
For all the faithfully departed, many perpetual light shine upon them o Lord and grant them peace! Requiescat in Pace.
Comments