Station Church Pilgrimage Begins

Lent is already underway, and every year the season brings unique opportunities to the seminarians and priests of the Pontifical North American College.  Imitating the ancient Roman practice of celebrating Mass at a different “station” church in the Eternal City each day of Lent, the College offers Mass every morning at a different church in Rome.  Rising earlier from sleep, the seminarians and priests make a morning pilgrimage to the church of the day for the celebration of Mass at 7:00 a.m., before continuing on to class.

Each Lent begins with the celebration of Mass on Ash Wednesday at the Church of St. Sabina on the Aventine Hill, offered by the rector of the College, Msgr. James Checchio.  In doing so, the College presents a visible sign of communion not only with the ancient Popes and Roman faithful who gathered at the same Church on Ash Wednesday, but also with the current Holy Father, Pope Francis, who celebrates Mass at St. Sabina later in the day.

In former centuries, the Pope would preside at the stational liturgy at the different churches throughout the season of Lent, going in procession to each church.  Although the practice is no longer strictly maintained, the College carries on this ancient Roman and Papal custom as a unique way of entering into the season of joyful repentance.  

 

Check out the Station Church Page for more information, and don’t forget to visit the PNAC Photo Page to see more.