Welcome back to Crux Stationalis, the Roman Station Church Network. On the Thursday after Ash Wednesday, we find ourselves at the Roman Station Church of San Giorgio al Velabro.

Today’s Roman Station Church is dedicated to Saint George, located next to the Arch of Janos in the Rione of Ripa, in the ancient Roman Velabrum. The church sits at the foot of the Capitoline and Palatine Hills, near the Roman Forum.

History and Cardinals:

The church’s history dates back to Pope Gregory I, known as Pope Saint Gregory the Great, who funded a diaconia here. Diaconia refers to a church administered by a deacon, serving as a center for charitable works. Wall placards within the church highlight notable Cardinals, including Cardinal Alphonse Maria Stickler, a staunch defender of the Tridentine Mass and advocate for priestly celibacy.

Pilgrimage and Canon of the Mass:

During the Canon of the Mass, the pilgrimage is often remembered, invoking the names of saint martyrs whose tombs are visited during the Lenten pilgrimage. Notable figures such as John Henry Cardinal Newman, canonized in 2019, are commemorated in the church.

Fresco and Architecture:

A 13th-century fresco in the apse depicts Christ in the second coming, accompanied by the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint George on his horse, and Saint Peter and Saint Sebastian. The current church, built during the 7th century by Pope Leo II, features an irregular trapezoidal plan due to frequent additions. The interior columns, randomly arranged, were taken from various Roman temples.

Byzantine Influence and Pope Zachary:

Situated in what was the Greek quarter of Rome, the church’s dedication to Saint George were orchestrated by Pope Zachary, a figure of Greek origin. This unique dedication predates the spread of Saint George’s veneration with the return of the Crusaders from the East.

Relics and Cosmatesque Style:

Beneath the altar, relics of Saint George, including part of his cranium, Lance head, and battle standard, are displayed with cosmatesque tile decoration. The cosmati style, characterized by geometric decorative inlay stonework, uses salvaged materials from ancient Roman buildings. The large roundels are cut cross-sections of Roman columns.

Restorations and Scola Cantorum:

Major restorations in the 1920s aimed to return the church to its medieval character. Fragments discovered during this process indicated the existence of a Schola Cantorum from the period of Pope Gregory IV in the 9th century. Recent restorations have further revealed the church’s historical elements.

Thank you for joining us on this Thursday after Ash Wednesday at the Roman Station Church of San Giorgio al Velabro. Please share this video with your family and friends, subscribe, and turn on the notification bell for a continued journey through the Roman Station Church Lenten pilgrimage itinerary. We appreciate your viewership, and we’ll see you tomorrow at Santi Giovanni e Paolo. (Sts. John and Paul).