Novena to Saint Gabriel: Day 7.

Station Church: S. Maria in Domnica

The Basilica was founded as a small oratory in the seventh century. It lies at what was a major crossroad of ancient Rome, and was close to several military posts. Most likely, it was built on the ruins of a Roman fire-fighting station, where Christians used to gather.

From the beginning the Church was dedicated to the Mother of God. It was also a site dedicated to the ministry of the assistance to the poor.

The nickname ‘Navicella’ derives from the adjacent fountain that appears as a small boat.

The 8th Century apse mosaic: