Text from The Saint Andrew Daily Missal,
unless stated otherwise.
San Giovanni A Porta Latina.
Sancti Ioanne Ad Portam Latinam.
Feast Day 6 May.
Greater-Double.
Red Vestments.
English: Basilica of Saint John Before The Latin Gate, Rome.
Français: L'Église San Giovanni a Porta Latina, Rome.
Photo: July 2009.
Source: Own work.
Author: LPLT
(Wikimedia Commons)
The Emperor Domitian caused John to be brought to Rome and condemned him to be plunged into a cauldron of boiling oil.
But Saint John, by a striking miracle, came forth from this torment more healthy and vigorous than before. A Sanctuary was built on this spot near The Latin Gate and Dedicated to the Holy Apostle. There is held The Station on Passion Sunday.
Mass: Protexisti.
Creed: Is said.
Preface: Of The Apostles.
English: The Nave,
Saint John Before The Latin Gate, Rome.
Français: Nef de l'église San Giovanni a Porta Latina à Rome
Photo: July 2009.
Source: Own work.
Author: LPLT
(Wikimedia Commons)
This quite historic site —and at least the church building—I understand date back to P. Gelasius I (492-496 AD), according to archaeological dating of the roof tiles which were constructed under the Ostrogoth King Theodoric (493-526). The church was extensively decorated during the Baroque period in the 16th, and later again, in 17th centuries (spottinghistory.com): but as can be seen, it was subjected to a starkly “primitivist” simplicity in an unsympathetic 1940-1941 renovation (obviously the opinion of this commenter). It also appears that it suffered also a Vatican 2 “altar-wrecking,” unfortunately, after 1965, substituting a disproportionately small flat altar under the apse (We wouldn’t want to emphasize the altar of sacrifice, would we?), looking at this and other photos.
ReplyDeleteNonetheless, to Catholics this is a very sacred an ancient holy spot, we all agree. – Dante P
Another excellent contribution. Thank You, Dante P.
ReplyDeleteMy cousin was married in this historic and very Sacred Church. Your archæological Comments are, also, much appreciated.