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 Journeying Back to the Early Church

"The need to meet and pray together"

Signs and Symbols: Language of Belief





Church Houses from 1st to 4th Century Under Today's Churches, Basilicas and Cathedrals

St. Sabina - Wealthy Roman Family
Patroness from the Early Church "Houses" situated under present day basilica
Martyred & her remains returned to her family home


Frescoe from the Early Church



The Painting

The painting was commissioned by the Princess Donna Olimpia Pamphilj and is considered to be his masterpiece.  The Virgin, in a blue cloak and red dress, is seated in the centre with the child Jesus on her knee. Kneeling on her right is St. Dominic, to whom she presents a rosary, whilst the child also presents a rosary to St. Catherine of Siena, who kneels on his left and wears a crown of thorns. Circling the head of the Virgin are five small cherubs. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) is the patron saint of Rome and joined the Dominicans when very young.  She was known as a mystic of the Church so is often portrayed with the stigmata and crown of thorns as well as in the Dominican habit.  She wrote many theological texts and undertook several diplomatic missions on behalf of the Church, which was unusual for medieval women of the time. Saint Dominic (1170-1221) was a Spanish priest and founder of the Dominican Order. The development of the Rosary, a set of Catholic prayers devoted to the Virgin Mary, is attributed to him.

A personal takeaway: The Rosary

It has become tradition within the parish that I am in to recite the Rosary, congregational, each week during the month of May - one of the months dedicated to Mary. It is also an observation that those coming to pray, often putting aside time before or after Mass, use their own personal rosary for this purpose. Many artworks include this and historical religious movies use this as a a way to represent piety and devotion. Seeing this painting, and hearing of its origins, make me want to understand how it began and more importantly into which denominational groups it is used. Many of those devoted to their faith, a rosary from within the area of the Vatican has deep significance. 

The Aventine Keyhole

Read about the Aventine Keyhole here - it is an amazing feat of engineering and precision!

St. Sabina: A Paleochristian Basilica

This Basilica was an intriguing part of our day - read the important elements of preserved a 5th Century Christian church - that continues in service through the efforts of the Dominican order. 



See everyone in the next blog!




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