Each year, the North American College follows the ancient tradition of the Roman stational liturgy. From as early as the third century, the Church of Rome observed the season of Lent by journeying each day while singing the litanies of the Saints to a "Station Church" or one of the ancient and prominent churches of Rome. Here the Bishop of Rome, the Holy Father, would lead the people in prayer as they honored the eary martyrs of Rome. The relics of the saints are exposed on this day and the Mass is celebrated. It is a pilgrimage of faith, a symbol of unity, and an incentive for us all to adhere more fully to the Gospel.
In the sixth century, Pope Gregory the Great designated it as a Lenten practice. Unfortunately, the custom ceased during the Avignon papacy in 1305 but interest was revived by Saint Leo XIII at the turn of the 20th century. Blessed John XXIII fully restored the custom in 1959 and it continues to this day.The tradition started in order to strengthen the sense of community within the Church in Rome, as this system meant that the Holy Father would visit each part of the city and celebrate Mass with the congregation.
We began Lent at the Church of St. Sabina. Today, from the earliest times, the Mass is celebrated in the Church of Santa Sabina, "The gem of the Aventine", and home of the Dominicans. Santa Sabina was one of a group of martyrs who shed her blood for our faith during the Vesparian persecutions (69-79).
At 5:00 in the evening on Ash Wednesday, the Holy Father will came to open Lent with Mass. I was able to secure an admission ticket for this event. In a very simple and prayerful liturgy, he reminded us all that the journey of Lent is really a journey to the Lord.
And so it begins ....
Today's Station Church is San Giorgio in Velabro. The ancient church already existed in the 5th century. In the 7th century, it was dedicated to Saint Sebastian, the Roman soldier who was martyred by Diocletian (297-305). It was made a Station Church by Pope Gregory II (715-731). Pope Saint Zachary (741-752) brought the head of Saint George here and made him a co-patron of the church. The relic is now under the altar. Saint George, the famed "dragon slayer", like Saint Sebastian, was a soldier martyred during the Diocletian persecution (284-305). He died in Cappadocia (Turkey). 
The fresco in the apse is of Christ in the center flanked by the Blessed Mother and Saint George on his right and Saints Peter and Sebastian on his left. The Church was once under the patronage of Cardinal Newman. It was bombed in 1993 by the Mafia after the Holy Father spoke out against them. It was then restored.
