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In ancient times, pilgrims would prepare for this station at St Peter in the Vatican with prayer and fasting all the previous night. Coming to the tomb of the Prince of the Apostles - to his station - was awesome. It was at this station that the Pope ordained new priests - joining the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist to the Sacrament of Holy Orders. This intersection of Heaven and Earth, here in the great basilica built over the tomb of the Apostle, was a powerful witness of the ongoing nurturing care of Our Lord for His Church.
Remember that one of the main reasons for this Pilgrimage was to complete teaching of the Catechumens during Lent, before their baptism and confirmation at the Easter Vigil. Can you even imagine yourself as a catechumen, watching as the Pope laid hands on and ordained the new priests and then as they prostrated themselves before the altar! And though the catechumens would not yet have been able to receive communion at the hands of those new priests, after the Mass they were able to receive their blessings, to strengthen them in the remainder of their Lenten journey. What a memory to be treasured!
Statue of St Peter by Arnolfo di Cambio in St Peter's Basilica
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/ File%3ASw-Peter_statue_2010.jpgStatue of St Peter by Arnolfo di Cambio in St Peter's Basilica
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AStatue_of_Saint_Peter_by_Arnolfo_di_Cambio_01.jpgBy Antoine Taveneaux (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
File%3ASt_Peter_by_Arnolfo_di_Cambio.jpg © José Luiz Bernardes Ribeiro, Wikimedia Commons
"Rome basilica st peter 011c" by Mattana (Crop of original picture) - File:Rome basilica st peter 011.JPG. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rome_basilica_st_peter_011c.jpg#/
Notice, please, in the statue above, that St Peter has no toes on his right foot and almost the same situation with the left foot. So many pilgrims, so many years - they have been rubbed away!
Historical Setting
Historical Setting
This present basilica is not the first to occupy this space on the Vatican Hill. There was a previous basilica buit in the 4th century by the Emperor Constantine.
Old Saint Peter's Basilica drawn by H. W. Brewer, 1891. He used very old drawings and writings to work out how it would have looked.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ABasilica_di_San_Pietro_1450.jpg By H.W. Brewer (1836 – 1903)[1] [Public domain], via Wikimedia CommonsOld Saint Peter's Basilica drawn by H. W. Brewer, 1891. He used very old drawings and writings to work out how it would have looked.
Above is a sketch by Giacomo Grimaldi of the interior of St. Peter's during its reconstruction, showing the temporary placement of some of the tombs, since the old basilica was dismantled little by little as the new basilica was completed to replace it.
One can easily see, in the photo below right, the central nave flanked on each side by 2 aisles. The nave is elevated, allowing a row of high clerestory windows to increase the light, in a day when artificial light was not possible.
A sketch of the old St. Peter's Basilica Floor plan is above.
Abive: Coronation of Charlemagne from an illuminated medieval manuscript
File:Karl den store krons av leo III.pngAbive: Coronation of Charlemagne from an illuminated medieval manuscript
Very little of the old Constantinian basilica remains, but that which does remain gives the pilgrim a humbling sense of the perspective of time — the insignificance of the span of an individual human life.
What is 50 years, 70 years, even 100 yrs? When one stands on the porphyry circle where Charlemagne knelt to be crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III on Christmas Day 800, it is difficult not to recognize how awesome is our God, how transcendent over the affairs of humans.
Fresco showing cutaway view of Constantine's St Peter's Basilica as it looked in the 4th century.
File:Affresco dell'aspetto antico della basilica costantiniana di san pietro nel IV secolo.pngFresco showing cutaway view of Constantine's St Peter's Basilica as it looked in the 4th century.
Charlemagne, great as he was, is only a blip in history compared to the sweeping span of the history of this great Church — the same Church that Our Lord promised would always prevail over the Gates of Hell.
Just a few steps after entering the central nave of St Peter's Basilica, lies the disc of porphyry, a wine-colored marble, that was mentioned above. The disc was salvaged from the old St Peter's Basilica and re-installed here in the new St Peter's. It was here, on this very disc, that Charlemagne was crowned Emperor by Pope Leo III on Christmas Day of the year 800. Awesome!
Porphyry Disc
http://nobility.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Charlemagne-coronation.jpgPorphyry Disc
Appropriate to our station at St Peter, we must also recognize another of the treasures, salvaged from the old basilica — one that the pilgrim, awed by the sense of grandeur, might easily miss. As one enters the basilica through the front doors, it is important to look up. There one can see a large mosaic, the Navicella, depicting Jesus walking on the water in a storm, aiding Peter, who in a flash of insight regarding this most remarkable of men, had asked the Lord to allow him to come to Him on the water.
Navicella - Full sized copy in oils made in 1628 of Giotto's mosaic of 1305
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AGiotto_di_Bondone_-_Navicella_-_WGA09363.jpg After Giotto [Public domain], via Wikimedia CommonsNavicella - Full sized copy in oils made in 1628 of Giotto's mosaic of 1305
In terror of the waves, Peter has suddenly recognized that of himself he is nothing, and in dread has cried out to the Lord to save him. The magnanimous response of the Lord is, of course, to do so. It is important not to miss this powerful moment in the history of the Church, for it is Peter who has received the God-given insight of the Lordship of Jesus over the elements, it is Peter alone who walks on the water, and it is Peter, who becomes in this event, the icon of salvation — in the hands of a merciful and loving God. The original mosaic was greatly damaged in the the construction of the new basilica in the 17th century, but fragments were preserved, and a new composition was made, incorporating the remaining original fragments. It was placed in position at the centre of the portico of the new building in 1675. The original mosaic was extremely large, and designed to be seen from a distance. It would have been placed such that it would have immediately captured the eye as one entered the atrium from the street. The full mosaic was probably about 9.4 by 13 metres (31 ft × 43 ft), with a Latin inscription in verse below the image.
The Basilica Today
The Basilica Today
Construction of the present basilica began on April 18, 1506 and was completed on November 18, 1626. Over 120 years!
Of all venues, St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican is the most visible statement of the universality of the Catholic Church. It is almost as if this magnificent basilica is the parish church for the whole world. Displayed here are some of the greatest achievements of humanity — in art , in architecture, in engineering. It's value today has been estimated at approximately 3 trillion American dollars.
The enormous size of the place is deceptive. One is aware of its massive scale, and yet it rarely fails to shock visitors to realize that the Statue of Liberty would fit inside, pedestal included, or that the castle at Disney World would fit inside quite nicely, as would the great Sphinx of Giza with plenty of room to spare. Several Imperial AT-AT walkers from Star Wars could march down the center aisle, and one could even play the 7th hole at Pebble Beach within the walls of the basilica. The sheer enormity of the place combines with its virtually perfect architectural balance to trick the eye and disguise its true immensity.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7c/Vatican_StPeter_Square.jpg
St Peters from the Via della Conciliazione in Rome
Wikipedia Commons File:Petersdom bei Nacht Via della Conciliazione in Rome.jpgSt Peters from the Via della Conciliazione in Rome
St Peter's Square - Maderno's Fountain
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3A0_Place_Saint-Pierre_-_Vatican_(4).JPGSt Peter's Square - Maderno's Fountain
St Peter's Basilica as seen from Castel Sant'Angelo
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3APetersdom_von_Engelsburg_gesehen.jpg Giacomo della Porta [Public domain], via Wikimedia CommonsSt Peter's Basilica as seen from Castel Sant'Angelo
The Basilica of St Peter - Vatican City - from St Peter's Square
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3A0_Basilique_Saint-Pierre_-_Rome_(2).JPG By Jean-Pol GRANDMONT (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia CommonsThe Basilica of St Peter - Vatican City - from St Peter's Square
The Portico and Doors of the Basilica
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ASan_Pietro_in_Vaticano_4.jpgThe Portico and Doors of the Basilica
Holy Door of St Peter's Basilica
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ARome_basilica_st_peter_004_adjusted.JPGHoly Door of St Peter's Basilica
Nave of St Peter's Basilica - The Vatican
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3APetersdom_Rom_Kirchenschiff.jpgBy Manfred Heyde (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia CommonsNave of St Peter's Basilica - The Vatican
Above: Wide angle view of the High altar with views into the right and left transepts.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AVatican_Altar_2.jpg Above: Wide angle view of the High altar with views into the right and left transepts.
The altar of the Chair of St Peter and the Holy Spirit window is seen in the far back, through the baldacchino. At the far left is one of the great piers of the nave that support the dome. You can just see the statue of the Apostle Andrew. On the far right is another pier with the statue of Longinus, holding the spear that pierced the side of Jesus. Across the way framing the high altar are the other two great piers, and the statues of St Helena, mother of Constantine, who holds a symbol of the True Cross, and St Veronica, displaying her veil.
Below are the Four Saints of the Piers that support the dome:
Below are the Four Saints of the Piers that support the dome:
St Helena
https://commons. wikimedia.org/wiki/ File%3ASaint_ Helena.jpgSt Helena
St Longinus
https://commons. wikimedia.org/wiki/ File%3ASaint_ Longinus.jpgSt Longinus
St Andrew
https://commons. wikimedia.org/ wiki/File%3ASaint_ Andreas.jpgSt Andrew
St Veronica
https://commons. wikimedia.org/ wiki/File%3ASaint_ veronica.jpgSt Veronica
In the Nave, looking toward the high altar
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ACrepescular_rays_in_saint_peters_basilica.JPGBy Jraytram at en.wikipedia (Transferred from en.wikipedia by SreeBot) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia CommonsIn the Nave, looking toward the high altar
The area marked off in the foreground in the photo above designates, in mosaic form incorporated into the floor, an aid for the curious pilgrim to see how St Peter's compares in size to other great churches of the world. The distance is marked from the high altar which you can see in the distance and reveals the relative size of such churches as the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, and St Paul's in London.
In the Nave, Looking toward the High Altar
By I, Jean-Christophe BENOIST, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2537002In the Nave, Looking toward the High Altar
Bernini's baldacchino serves to "anchor" the high altar firmly in place over the tomb of St Peter, and prevent it from appearing lost in the immense space. It also serves to offset the sense of transcendence that could otherwise seem overwhelming.
Bernini's Baldacchino over the high altar.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AInteriorvaticano8.jpg By Ricardo André Frantz (User:Tetraktys) (taken by Ricardo André Frantz) [CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia CommonsBernini's Baldacchino over the high altar.
Above the Baldicchino, and between the arches of the four trancepts, are mosaics depicting the four evangelists - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, along with their winged symbols.
Under Bernini's Baldacchino with the Dome Beyond
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ABaldachin_of_Saint_Peters_Basilica_01.jpgUnder Bernini's Baldacchino with the Dome Beyond
The Dove Representing the Holy Spirit can be seen here in the center of the top of the baldicchino.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AVatikan_Szent_Peter_kupola.jpg
Around the dome in letters 2 meters high are the words from Matthew 16:18-19 (Vulgate):
Around the dome in letters 2 meters high are the words from Matthew 16:18-19 (Vulgate):
TV ES PETRVS ET SVPER HANC PETRAM AEDIFICABO ECCLESIAM MEAM
TV ES PETRVS ET SVPER HANC PETRAM AEDIFICABO ECCLESIAM MEAM
TIBI DABO CLAVES REGNI CAELORVM
TIBI DABO CLAVES REGNI CAELORVM
...you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church. ... I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven…
...you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church. ... I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven…
The Altar of St Peter's Chair, in the Apse behind the High Altar
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AThe_Chair_of_Saint_Peter_adjusted.JPGThe Altar of St Peter's Chair, in the Apse behind the High Altar
Below is a nice video explaining Bernini's Chair of St Peter or Cathedra Petri
Below is a nice video explaining Bernini's Chair of St Peter or Cathedra Petri
Be sure to click on the square in the lower right corner after the video starts, to enlarge fully.
The Chair of St Peter and the "Gloria" created by Bernini - The Holy Spirit window
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ACathedrapetri%2Bgloria.jpgThe Chair of St Peter and the "Gloria" created by Bernini - The Holy Spirit window
View from the Dome of St Peter's
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ASt_Peter's_Square%2C_Vatican_City_-_April_2007.jpg View from the Dome of St Peter's
On another day in our Pilgrimage, we will explore the history of this area where the Basilica of St Peter now stands, prior even to Constantine's basilica, and then you will be taken down, down, down — far below the current basilica, to the execution site and to the very tomb of St Peter himself. We have two more stations at this basilica before the end of our pilgrimage, and St Peter wants to share many things with you . . . . .
Till then, St Peter has a message for you. Never take yourself too seriously. From one who spent much of his time in the presence of his Lord with his foot in his mouth and bungling things in a most embarrassing manner, please recognize that though you are nothing in yourself, yet in the acceptance of His great salvation, you are members incorporate in the very Mystical Body of the King of the Universe. As such, in the eternal scheme of things, you are of infinite worth! And you are loved . . . . .
The Collect Church for the station at St Peter's in the Vatican is Santa Maria in Traspontina.
The Collect Church for the station at St Peter's in the Vatican is Santa Maria in Traspontina.
Facade of Santa Maria in Transpotina
Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9791265Enjoy your Saturday in Rome, dear pilgrims, tomorrow, on the Lord's Day. we will gather to another station of our Mother Mary, Santa Maria in Domnica.
Please enjoy another interactive Virtual Tour, this time of the Basilica of St Peter in the Vatican:
Please enjoy another interactive Virtual Tour, this time of the Basilica of St Peter in the Vatican:
ADDITIONAL VIEWS FROM ST PETER"S IN THE VATICAN:
ADDITIONAL VIEWS FROM ST PETER"S IN THE VATICAN:
Dome
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ABasilique_Saint-Pierre_Vatican_dome.jpgDome
Pieta by Michelangelo
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AMichelangelo's_Pieta_5450_cropncleaned_edit.jpgPieta by Michelangelo
Below: Spend a little time in meditation on the two faces of the Pieta - the structural and clearly familial similaries expressed in masculine and feminine forms by Michelangelo.
Below: Spend a little time in meditation on the two faces of the Pieta - the structural and clearly familial similaries expressed in masculine and feminine forms by Michelangelo.
Statue of St Paul (foreground) with Jesus Christ (background) in St Peter's Square
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AVatican_StPaul_Statue.jpgStatue of St Paul (foreground) with Jesus Christ (background) in St Peter's Square
Statue of St Peter in St Peter's Square
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3APetrus_on_Piazza_San_Pietro.jpgStatue of St Peter in St Peter's Square
In the background is the loggia where new popes are presented to the people - Habemus Papam!
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AFountain_of_Carlo_Maderno_on_Piazza_San_Pietro_at_night.jpghttp://tipter.com/trips/christian-rome-tour-of-four-major-basilicas#
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