Catacombs of St. Callistus

Underneath the city of Rome are catacombs -- ancient cemeteries. These were the places in which the early martyrs of the Roman Church were also buried. Scores of men and women, young and old were martyred during the persecutions. In many ways, the Church was built upon the blood of many martyrs.


(We sang the Salve Regina at the end of Mass in the catacombs of St. Callistus -- helped by the acoustics.)


The catacombs were places where the Christians also came to celebrate Eucharist away from Roman eyes. It gave these early Christians the chance to literally pray over the tombs of the martyrs. This is where the practice of having a relic of a saint in the Altar stone came from. As a matter of fact, many of the Churches in Rome are built over sacred burial spots or other holy places. St. Peter's Basilica, for example, is built over the place where St. Peter was buried.

As we celebrated Eucharist in the catacombs of St. Callistus Fr. John Hopkinson, SM reminded us of modern day martyrs -- people who have been killed in Latin America and other places because they cared for and stood with the oppressed. We only have to recall Bishop Romero, and four martyrs of El Salvador to realize that persecution still goes on today. Hopefully, you and I can be strengthened by their example for whatever small persecutions we endure as we do our best to live the Gospel.

We also spent some time this afternoon with the General Administration of the Society of Mary. These are the men who form the international leadership for the Society of Mary. They shared with us plans for a Society wide meeting this September -- called a Chapter. Please keep them and all the Marist delegates in your prayers as they work to further the mission of the Society of Mary.


(Waiting for the 75 bus -- Joe, Joel, and Guiliano with John in the background.)