Join us as St. Matthew becomes a Place of Pilgrimage during this Lenten Season
During Lent, Catholics in Rome follow an ancient tradition called the Station Church pilgrimage, gathering each day at a different
historic church for prayer and Mass, as a sign of their Lenten journey toward Easter. The word “station” comes from the Latin statio, meaning a standing post or place of vigil, suggesting spiritual readiness.
This year, as part of the Diocese of Bridgeport’s Lenten pilgrimage, St. Matthew Parish will welcome pilgrims on two dates.
While St. Matthew Church hosts pilgrims on these dates, the Church in Rome gathers at its own historic Station Churches. The Station Churches in Rome which correspond to our Parish Pilgrimage dates:
Saturday, March 21 I San Nicola in Carcere
Photos from the Pontifical North American College in Rome.
Interesting Facts about San Nicola in Carcere
• San Nicola in Carcere powerfully symbolizes the triumph of Christianity in Rome: the church was built directly over the remains of
three ancient Roman temples from the Republican era dedicated to Janus, Spes, and Juno Sospita, and their columns are still visible today
in the church walls (see arrow in photo).
• San Nicola in Carcere reminds pilgrims during Lent that Christ transforms what came before: turning the places of the old world into
foundations for the new life of the Gospel.
- The name “San Nicola in Carcere” means “Saint Nicholas by the Prison,” referring to a prison that existed in this area during
the Middle Ages. Although Saint Nicholas himself was imprisoned during the persecutions of the Roman Emperor Diocletian,
that imprisonment did not occur at this location in Rome.
• Saint Nicholas was the bishop of Myra, present-day Turkey, in the early fourth century. He was widely venerated in the early
Church for his generosity and care for the poor, and devotion to him spread through out both the Eastern and Western Christian worlds.
Tuesday, March 24 I Santa Maria in Via Lata
Photos from the Pontifical North American College in Rome.
Interesting Facts about Santa Maria in Via Lata
• Santa Maria in Via Lata was built over a site traditionally believed to be where St. Paul lived under house arrest while preaching the
Gospel in Rome (see arrow in photo).
• Pilgrims gather here on the Fifth Week of Lent to remember the apostle’s steadfast witness as Lent draws closer to the mystery of
Christ’s Passion.
- Tradition also holds that St. Luke stayed here with St. Paul during this time, and that he may have written part of the Acts here.
• The present church was rebuilt in the 17th century, with a façade designed by the Baroque architect Pietro da Cortona.
Click here for full schedule of Stational Masses in the Diocese.