Lenten Pilgrimage Through Rome’s Station Churches: San Marco, Santa Pudenziana, and San Sisto Vecchio

Welcome back to Crux Stationalis, where we continue our Lenten pilgrimage through Rome’s station churches. Today, we explore three significant churches that highlight different aspects of our Catholic faith: San Marco al Campidoglio, Santa Pudenziana, and San Sisto Vecchio. Each of these churches offers unique insights into the lives of saints and early Christian heritage. Let’s dive into their stories.

---

To listen to this as a podcast, watch here:

---

San Marco al Campidoglio: St. Mark and Byzantine Influence

The station church for Monday of the third week of Lent is San Marco al Campidoglio. Located near Capitoline Hill, this church has deep ties to early Christianity. Founded in 336 AD by Pope St. Mark, it is dedicated to St. Mark the Evangelist. Mark, a companion of St. Peter, is believed to have spent time in Rome before being martyred in Alexandria.

Key Features:

• Byzantine Influence: Rebuilt in the 9th century with strong Eastern Christian elements, especially in the apse mosaic depicting Christ enthroned.
• Venetian Legacy: The church became the home of the Venetian community in Rome, marked by the Lion of St. Mark in its art.

San Marco calls us to boldly share the Gospel, just as St. Mark did during the early days of Christianity.

To visit this basilica virtually, watch here:

---

Santa Pudenziana: Eucharistic Miracle and Early Christian Roots

On Tuesday of the third week of Lent, we visit Santa Pudenziana, one of Rome’s oldest churches. According to tradition, St. Peter celebrated Mass here, hosted by the Roman senator Pudens. The church houses the altar where St. Peter is believed to have celebrated Mass, beneath a mosaic of Christ giving the keys to St. Peter.

Key Features:

• Eucharistic Miracle: In 1610, a priest doubted the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. When the host fell to the altar steps, it left a visible imprint and bloodstain, which remains today.
• Ancient Mosaic: The apse mosaic, dating to 410 AD, depicts Christ surrounded by Apostles and symbolizes the heavenly Jerusalem.

For Blessed Carlo Acutis, known for his devotion to the Eucharist, Santa Pudenziana would likely be a favorite Roman station church, reflecting both the Eucharistic miracle and the early presence of Christianity in Rome.

To visit this basilica virtually, watch here:

---

San Sisto Vecchio: Martyrdom of St. Sixtus II and St. Lawrence

Our final stop today is San Sisto Vecchio, located on the Via Appia. This church commemorates the meeting of Pope St. Sixtus II and St. Lawrence before their martyrdoms. In 258 AD, Emperor Valerian decreed the execution of Christian leaders. Pope Sixtus was arrested while celebrating Mass, and as he was led to his execution, St. Lawrence ran to him, saying, Father, where are you going without your deacon? The pope then foretold that Lawrence’s arrest and martyrdom would take place in the three days’ time.

Key Features:

• Martyrdom Connection: St. Lawrence followed Pope Sixtus to martyrdom three days later.
• Witness to Suffering: The church reminds us of the cost of discipleship and calls us to embrace suffering for Christ.

To visit this basilica virtually, watch here:

---

Lessons from this week

Today’s pilgrimage through San Marco al Campidoglio, Santa Pudenziana, and San Sisto Vecchio offers us valuable lessons for our Lenten journey:

• San Marco: Evangelization—proclaim the Gospel boldly.
• Santa Pudenziana: Eucharistic devotion—strengthen faith in Christ’s real presence.
• San Sisto Vecchio: Suffering and sacrifice—embrace the cost of discipleship.

As we continue our journey through these sacred spaces, may these reflections deepen our faith and prepare us for Easter. Check the video description for in-depth tours of each basilica. Let’s walk in the footsteps of the saints, drawing closer to Christ.

---

If you need a helpful book of meditations for this Season of Lent, check out my publication of meditations on the Passion of Jesus written for young Passionist novices.

31 Days of Meditation on the Passion of Jesus: BUY NOW

If you appreciate our work you can become a Patron at our Patreon. Or, please consider a one time gift offering via PayPal.

See you tomorrow at San Marco! Don’t forget to subscribe above with your email to receive our newest content straight to your email!