Tuesday, December 02, 2008

From Rome: feast of St. Bibiana...







Today is the feast of St. Bibiana and this is her church in Rome. This morning in this very church I prayed for all Catholic bloggers and for all readers of this blog and of all Catholic blogs.
The church contains eight old Roman columns from pagan temples including this one which St. Bibiana was tied to and flogged to death (see photo).
If you're a student of architecture then take careful note of this little church and be sure to visit it while in Rome and to replicate it when possible.
It's just a nice, little quaint church constructed in the Roman basilica style, with a portico and everything else (minus the choir loft). Built in 1625.
This is the Rome parish closest to la Termini, Rome's giant train station. It's one of the most historic and charming little churches in all of Rome. This was the first architectural work of Bernini and he carved the statue seen in the aedicula above the altar.
It's been a joy to many of us as we've lived in Rome to know that this little church is here, with its tabernacle and liturgical rites shining so close to the millions as they commute daily to and from the Urbs.
St. Bibiana, patroness of L.A., pray for us!

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

What's that rather phallic thing in the cage?!

Anonymous said...

Red and white flowers for virgin et martyr.

Anonymous said...

St VIBiana is the patroness of LA.

PJA said...

Thanks for that. This wonderful little church will be a "definite" on my next pilgrimage to Rome!

Anonymous said...

St. Bibiana is St. Viviana.

Anonymous said...

Of course, the Lord's also present in Termini's chapel!

Anonymous said...

Are there any prayer cards or any other religious items related to St. Bibiana available? I named my daughter after St. Bibiana and we would love to have something/anything with her likeness on it. Any help/info you have is appreciated.

Anonymous said...

St. Bibiana is St. Viviana.

Wrong.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the photos of St Bibiana. I would love to visit it but each morning, after walking down the side of Termini station, I have found it shut.