Exploring Santi Apostoli: The Church of the Twelve Holy Apostles

Welcome back to Crux Stationalis, the Roman Station Church Network! Today, we find ourselves at the Roman Station Church of Santi Apostoli, dedicated to the 12 Holy Apostles. I invite you to subscribe to Crux Stationalis YouTube, become part of our community, like the video below, and share this post and video with your family and friends. Let’s delve into the rich history and artistry of Santi Apostoli.

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Historical Insights into Santi Apostoli

The Church of the Twelve Holy Apostles, commonly known as Santi Apostoli, stands as a 6th Century Roman Catholic parish, titular church, and minor Basilica. We regularly visit this sacred site every Ember Friday of the year and on the fourth Sunday of Advent. Originally dedicated to Saints James and Philip, the church later received the dedication to all the apostles. Under the care of the Conventual Franciscans, the Basilica holds the remains of Saints James and Philip in its Crypt.

Restoration and Facade: A Tale of Resilience

Santi Apostoli faced challenges throughout history, including ruin from an earthquake in 1348. However, in 1417, Pope Martin V, of the Colonna family, undertook the restoration of the church. The adjacent Palazzo Colonna was restored, and the facade, designed by Baccio Pontelli, was completed by the end of the same century. Today, as we explore Santi Apostoli, we focus on an aspect we have yet to uncover – the frescoes by Melozzo da Forlì.

Melozzo da Forlì’s Masterpiece: A Lost Treasure

Melozzo da Forlì’s frescoes at Santi Apostoli were renowned for innovative foreshortening techniques and considered his masterpiece. Unfortunately, these works no longer adorn the church. The fresco of Christ by Melozzo da Forlì was taken down in 1711 during Clement IX’s enlargement of the choir. Some portions influenced Raphael and are now scattered, with Christ’s figure residing in the Quirinale Palace. The Vatican Museums have an exhibition showcasing what this lost masterpiece would have looked like.

The Feast of the Ascension: A Future Reality

While contemplating these lost frescoes, let’s turn our attention to a future reality beyond the Lenten meditations. The Ascension of Christ, depicted by Melozzo da Forlì, reveals a scene of Christ ascending into heaven surrounded by the Holy Apostles. The innovative technique of foreshortening makes it appear as if Christ is breaking through the ceiling, an awe-inspiring portrayal of this significant event.

Theological Beauty of the Ascension: Insights from Church Fathers

The Feast of the Ascension holds profound theological beauty, as articulated by Church Fathers. In “Angels in Their Mission,” a work that emphasizes that the Ascension is not merely the elevation of Christ but the exaltation of human nature united with the Word of God. In the YouTube video we hear words from Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Irenaeus which highlight the extraordinary spectacle as Christ ascended, surpassing angelic orders and arriving at the very Throne of God.

Dialogues Among the Choirs: The Angels’ Perspective

In the video as well, words of Saint Athanasius beautifully describes the dialogue among angelic choirs during the Ascension. The angels on Earth announce Christ’s ascension to the angels in heaven, leading to a mesmerizing exchange. The Angels from above ask, “Who is he?” and the angels rising with Christ respond, “The Lord of powers, the king of glory.” This cosmic event, celebrated on the Feast of the Ascension, brings a complete reversal of the regular order, a triumph over the spiritual enemy.

Victory Over the Spiritual Enemy: Artistic Depictions at Santi Apostoli

While we can no longer gaze at Melozzo da Forlì’s frescoes, the sanctuary at Santi Apostoli now displays scenes depicting the victory over the spiritual enemy. Witness the fall of Lucifer and the defeated Fallen Angels by Saint Michael the Archangel. Through the Passion of Jesus Christ, this artwork symbolizes the truth of the Incarnation – Christ taking upon our human frailty and redeeming us from sin, an object to be contemplated in these days of the Great Fast of Lent.

Contemplation with the Angels: A Humble Response

As we spend moments contemplating the Ascension, let’s join the angels, cherubim, and seraphim in marveling at the mystery of the Incarnation and Ascension of Christ into heaven. Our human pride is humbled in the face of this divine mystery. Only through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ can we be lifted to the very Throne of God.

Conclusion: Embracing the Mystery of Christ’s Ascension

Thank you for joining us in exploring the rich history, artistry, and theological depth of Santi Apostoli, the Church of the Twelve Holy Apostles. May this journey deepen our understanding of the Ascension and inspire humility in the face of Christ’s redemptive work. Stay tuned for more enriching explorations, and see you in the next Crux Stationalis adventure!