Peterborough Cathedral.
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Text from The Saint Andrew Daily Missal,
unless otherwise stated.
Monday in Passion Week.
Station at Saint Chrysogonus.
Indulgence of 10 Years and 10 Quarantines.
Violet Vestments.
Basilica of Saint Chrysogonus,
Trastevere, Rome.
Photo: September 3006.
Source: Own work.
Author: Lalupa
(Wikimedia Commons)
Among the previous Cardinal Priests, from 1853 until 1878, was Vincenzo Gioacchino Raffaele Luigi Pecci, who was subsequently elected Pope Leo XIII.
To encourage the Public Penitents, and ourselves, likewise to persevere in the austerities of Lent, The Church reminds us, in the Epistle, of the pardon granted to the Ninivites, who, moved by the voice of Jonas, Fasted and covered themselves with Ashes for forty days.
Pope Leo XIII was a previous Cardinal-Priest of the Basilica of San Crisogono. Photogram of the 1896 film, “Sua Santitá Papa Leone XIII”, the first time a Pope appeared in a movie. This image was copied from wikipedia:de
The original description was: Papst_Leo_XIII. um ca. 1898.
Public Domain. Library of Congress
This File: March 2006.
User: Crux.
(Wikimedia Commons)
The Jews, on the contrary, far from listening to Him, of whom Jonas was a figure, sought to lay hands on Jesus, Whom they are shortly to put to death. Jesus, in predicting it to them, announced to them His Triumph and their reprobation: “Yet a little while, and I go to My Father, and thither you cannot come.”
Let us ask “God to sanctify our Fasts and mercifully grant us the pardon of our sins” (Collect), so that “we may always enjoy health of Soul and body” (Prayer over the people).
Mass: Miserére mihi.
Preface: Of The Holy Cross.
Basilica of San Crisogono, Rome.
Photo: December 2006.
Source: Own work.
Author: Lalupa
(Wikimedia Commons)
San Crisogono is a Basilica Church in Rome (rione Trastevere) Dedicated to the Martyr, Saint Chrysogonus.
The Church was one of the Tituli, the first Parish Churches
of Rome. It was most probably built in the 4th-Century A.D. under Pope Sylvester I (314 A.D. – 335 A.D.), rebuilt in the 12th-Century by John of Crema, and, again, by Giovanni Battista Soria, funded by Scipione Borghese, in the Early-17th-Century.
The area beneath the Sacristy was investigated by
Fr. L. Manfredini and Fr. C. Piccolini in 1907. They found remains of the first Church (see, below).
The Church is served by the Trinitarians. Among the previous Cardinal-Priests was Vincenzo Gioacchino Raffaele Luigi Pecci (Cardinal-Priest from 1853–1878), who was subsequently Elected Pope Leo XIII.
Art and Architecture.
The Bell Tower dates from the 12th-Century. The interior of the Church was rebuilt in the 1620s, on the site of a 12th-Century Church. The twenty-two granite Columns, in the Nave, are recycled antique Columns. The floor is Cosmatesque, but most of it is hidden by the Pews. The High Altar is from 1127, with a Baldacchino from the Early-17th-Century by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
The painting, in the middle of the Baroque Coffered-Ceiling, is by Guercino, and depicts the Glory of Saint Chrysogonus. It is likely a Copy, in which case the original was taken to London, but it might also be vice versa.
On the Left Side of the Nave, is the Shrine of Blessed Anna Maria Taigi. She was buried here in the Habit of a Tertiary of the Trinitarians. Some of her belongings are in the adjacent Monastery, where they are kept as Relics.
The Monument at the Left of the Entrance, Dedicated to Cardinal Giovanno Jacopo Millo, was completed by Carlo Marchionni and Pietro Bracci. Along the Right of the Nave are the fresco remains, including a Santa Francesca Romana and a Crucifixion, attributed to Paolo Guidotti and Transferred from the Church of Saints Barbara and Catherine. The Nave also contains a painting of Three Archangels, by Giovanni da San Giovanni.
The Nave has a “Trinity and Angels” by Giacinto Gimignani, while the Altar has a “Guardian Angel” by Ludovico Gimignani. The Presbytery and Ciborium are surrounded by four alabaster Columns; a Work by Soria. The Apse has frescoes of the Life of Saint Crisogono (16th-Century) and, below, Madonna and Child with Saints Crisogonus and James, by the 12th-Century School of Pietro Cavallini. The Presbytery Vault is frescoed with a depiction of Our Lady, by Giuseppe Cesari.
Excavations.
Remains from the first Church, possibly from the Reign of Emperor Constantine I, and earlier Roman houses, can be seen in the lower parts, reached by a staircase in the Sacristy. The ruins are confusing, but you can easily find the Apse of the old Church, and you can see the remains of the Martyr’s Shrine in the middle of the Apse wall.
On either side of the Apse, are rooms known as “Pastophoria”, Service rooms of a type uncommon in The West. but normal in Eastern Churches. The one on the Right-Hand Side is thought to have been used as a “Diaconium”, with functions resembling those of the Sacristy in later Churches. The other would probably have been a “Protesis”, where Holy Relics were kept.
A number of Basins were found during the excavations, including one cut into the South Wall. As the plan is so atypical of Early-Roman Churches, some believe that the structure originally had a different function, and the presence of the Basins could mean that it was a “Fullonica”, a Laundry and Dye-House. The area was a commercial district at the time, so this is quite likely.
Others think that the Basin in the South Wall was made for Baptism by immersion. As there were other Basins, too, it seems more likely that it was originally intended for a different use, but it may well have been used as a Baptismal Font, after the building had been Consecrated as a Church.
The area beneath the Sacristy was investigated by
Fr. L. Manfredini and Fr. C. Piccolini in 1907. They found remains of the first Church (see, below).
Saint Polycarp, Saint Vincent of Saragossa,
Saint Pancras of Rome, Saint Chrysogonus.
Photo: July 2011.
Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
User: Adam sk
At Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna.
(Wikimedia Commons)
Art and Architecture.
The Bell Tower dates from the 12th-Century. The interior of the Church was rebuilt in the 1620s, on the site of a 12th-Century Church. The twenty-two granite Columns, in the Nave, are recycled antique Columns. The floor is Cosmatesque, but most of it is hidden by the Pews. The High Altar is from 1127, with a Baldacchino from the Early-17th-Century by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
English: The Baroque Coffered-Ceiling
with a centre painting by Guercino.
Italiano: San Crisogono. Soffitto a lacunari
con stemmi del cardinale Scipione Borghese.
Photo: March 2007.
User: Lalupa
(Wikimedia Commons)
On the Left Side of the Nave, is the Shrine of Blessed Anna Maria Taigi. She was buried here in the Habit of a Tertiary of the Trinitarians. Some of her belongings are in the adjacent Monastery, where they are kept as Relics.
The Monument at the Left of the Entrance, Dedicated to Cardinal Giovanno Jacopo Millo, was completed by Carlo Marchionni and Pietro Bracci. Along the Right of the Nave are the fresco remains, including a Santa Francesca Romana and a Crucifixion, attributed to Paolo Guidotti and Transferred from the Church of Saints Barbara and Catherine. The Nave also contains a painting of Three Archangels, by Giovanni da San Giovanni.
English: Cosmatesque floor.
Basilica of Saint Chrysogonus.
Italiano: Basilica di san Crisogono
in Trastevere: pavimento cosmatesco.
Photo: December 2006.
User: Lalupa
(Wikimedia Commons)
Excavations.
Remains from the first Church, possibly from the Reign of Emperor Constantine I, and earlier Roman houses, can be seen in the lower parts, reached by a staircase in the Sacristy. The ruins are confusing, but you can easily find the Apse of the old Church, and you can see the remains of the Martyr’s Shrine in the middle of the Apse wall.
On either side of the Apse, are rooms known as “Pastophoria”, Service rooms of a type uncommon in The West. but normal in Eastern Churches. The one on the Right-Hand Side is thought to have been used as a “Diaconium”, with functions resembling those of the Sacristy in later Churches. The other would probably have been a “Protesis”, where Holy Relics were kept.
Mosaic of Virgin and Child, with Saint Chrysogonus (Left) and Saint James the Greater (Right). Church of San Crisogono.
Photo: July 2011.
User: Adam sk
(Wikimedia Commons)
A number of Basins were found during the excavations, including one cut into the South Wall. As the plan is so atypical of Early-Roman Churches, some believe that the structure originally had a different function, and the presence of the Basins could mean that it was a “Fullonica”, a Laundry and Dye-House. The area was a commercial district at the time, so this is quite likely.
Others think that the Basin in the South Wall was made for Baptism by immersion. As there were other Basins, too, it seems more likely that it was originally intended for a different use, but it may well have been used as a Baptismal Font, after the building had been Consecrated as a Church.
Liturgy.
The paintings are from the 8th-Century A.D. to the 11th-Century, and include Pope Sylvester capturing the dragon, Saint Pantaleon healing the blind man, Saint Benedict healing the leper and the rescue of Saint Placid.
The paintings are from the 8th-Century A.D. to the 11th-Century, and include Pope Sylvester capturing the dragon, Saint Pantaleon healing the blind man, Saint Benedict healing the leper and the rescue of Saint Placid.
Several Sarcophagi have been preserved, some beautifully decorated. Below the first Church, are remains of Late-Republican houses.
The Feast Day of Saint Chrysogonus, 24 November, is also the Dedication Day of the Church in Rome.
Pilgrims and other Faithful, who attend Mass in this Church on this day, receive a Plenary Indulgence.
The following Paragraphs are taken from
The Feast Day of Saint Chrysogonus, 24 November, is also the Dedication Day of the Church in Rome.
Pilgrims and other Faithful, who attend Mass in this Church on this day, receive a Plenary Indulgence.
Saint Peter’s Italian Church,
Clerkenwell, London.
This London Church is modelled on
the Basilica of Saint Chrysogonus, Rome.
Illustration: THE DAILY CONSTITUTIONAL
Saint Peter’s Italian Catholic Church,
Camberwell, London.
Italian Church Choir.
Sung Latin Mass.
1100 hrs, Sundays.
Available on YouTube
The following three paragraphs are taken from the Web-Site of Saint Peter’s Italian Catholic Church, Camberwell, London, at SAINT PETER'S ITALIAN CHURCH
Saint Peter’s Italian Church, in Clerkenwell, London, has been described as “one of the most beautiful Churches in London”.
Opened in 1863, it was, at the time, the only Church in
Britain designed in the Roman Basilican Style. The Irish Architect, John Miller Bryson, worked from Plans drawn by Francesco Gualandi of Bologna, modelled on the Basilica
of San Crisogno, in Rome.
It has a tranquil feel and one could spend hours there,
soaking up the Prayerful atmosphere and admiring the stunning Painted Ceilings and Artwork.
THE DAILY CONSTITUTIONAL
Saint Peter’s Italian Church, London, is modelled on the Basilica of San Crisogono in Rome; Saint Peter’s Italian Church was consecrated as “The Church of All Nations” in 1863.
Saint Peter’s Italian Church, London, is modelled on the Basilica of San Crisogono in Rome; Saint Peter’s Italian Church was consecrated as “The Church of All Nations” in 1863.
This moniker is reflected in not only the Italian Congregation (2000-strong by the 1850s), but in its Irish architect, John Miller-Bryson, as well as the addition of Polish-speaking Priests back in the 1870s.
The Church in London was Founded by Saint Vincent Pallotti, the Roman Catholic Priest remembered in one of the Church’s icons.
The Church in London was Founded by Saint Vincent Pallotti, the Roman Catholic Priest remembered in one of the Church’s icons.
“The Mass Of The Foundation Of The Trinitarian Order”.
Artist: Juan Carreño de Miranda.
Illustration: LOUVRE
Our Lady Of The Atonement Cathedral,
Baguio, Philippines.
Photo: 29 March 2024.
Source: Own work.
This File is made available under the
Author: Galaxiaria
(Wikimedia Commons)
Wells Cathedral.
Photo: August 2006.
Source: Own work.
This File is licensed under the
Share Alike 3.0 Unported licence.
Author: Steinsky
(Wikimedia Commons)
Another fascinating Lenten stational church sketch by Zephyrinus.
ReplyDeleteThis easily overlooked but ancient basilica, considered one of the handful or so of the “most ancient” Roman sanctuaries, is situated in busy Trastevere, and sits flush with the enormous palazzo facade on your right of the giant Trinitarian Monastery as you take the municipal bus on the busy Viale di Trastevere going southbound from central Rome. It is only a few blocks or so after it crosses the Tiber on the Ponte Garibaldi (although the basilica address is curiously listed as “Piazza Sidney Sonnino, 44, 00153 Roma RM, Italy,” owing to the confusing Roman habit of changing street names every few blocks). It is about halfway between two other ancient Trastevere stational churches, Sta. Cecilia in Trastevere to the east, and Sta. Maria in Trastevere to the west toward the Janiculum Hill.
S. Chrisogono, believed to be a high Roman military officer or official, was martyred during the Diocletian persecution (303-311 AD), but the actual site of his execution was not in Rome but in Aquileia, present day Friulia-Venezia, near Trieste in the north (A fact unknown by this reader) . His cult immediately spread to Rome where this shrine was erected in the 4th C {although nearly all of the visible present church was, as Zephyrinus mentions, work funded and supervised by the powerful art lover and banker, Card. Scipione Borghese (1577-1623). (Comment by Dante P., part I)
(Part II) The Borghese cardinal’s name appears prominently atop the pillared facade, with 4 urns and with the four-eagle emblem of the Borghese family, of whom the most famous was likely Scipione Borghese’s uncle Pope Paul V (papal reign 1605–1621), known in civilian life as Camillo Borghese (1550–1621).} It is thought that as governor of the Papal States under his uncle, the Cardinal Borghese cleverly saw an opportunity and began foreclosing on many Roman properties that were past due on their taxes, buying them at fire sale prices by using the vast family moneys from their banking house in Sienna. As a result, the family and Card. Borghese became even more fabulously wealthy. Besides the spectacular art gallery, the Villa Borghese, some of this family money he lavished on the rebuilding and restoration of S. Chrisogono which artwork of Bernini, Guidotti, and the Gimignani family we see and at which we marvel today. (Comment by Dante P)
ReplyDeleteA magnificent contribution from our Mediæval Architectural, Heraldic, and Historical, Correspondent, Dante P, for which, as always, we are truly grateful.
DeleteOne's knowledge and awareness of the Borghese Family, after Dante P's contribution, is greatly enhanced.
If any questions arise on the Borghese Family during Zephyrinus's next endeavour in a Pub Quiz, he will without doubt win. Of course, should that occur, an acknowledgement to Dante P would appear in this column.
(Part III) Recent highly involved technical studies, spatial-metric analysis supported by photogrammetric surveying techniques, of the excavated subterranean 4th C. original basilica, a roughly 20m x 30m church, were published in the journal Nature this past Nov., 2025 (“The Basilica of Saint Chrysogonus in Rome: an integrated historical and 3d morphometric analysis,”
DeleteKrzysztof Grzyb, Marika Griffo, Carlo Inglese, 21 Nov 2025)
The results show a very early shrine under the present basilica, with an ancient altar where the relics of S. Chrysogonus were originally venerated. It is remarkable how the archaeological evidence supports both the historical facts and also the traditional liturgical citation of S. Chrysogonus and the continuity of the cult. He, like the other great Roman martyrs Cyprian, Lawrence, Cosmos and Damian, John and Paul, is prominently mentioned in the Roman Canon. Notwithstanding the unfactual reduction in importance of the Roman martyrs by the purported reforms of the 1960’s (his feast day, November 24th, is rarely mentioned in the general church today), S. Chrysogonus and the other Roman martyrs are hardly “mythic.”
In fact, S. Chrysogonus’ sacrifice stands thoughtful witness both to the early catechumens and to us today, Monday in the 5th Week of Lent, both in the Epistle reading of Jonah preaching repentance to the Ninevites, and the Gospel, John 7:31-39, Our Lord’s promise of “living waters” for those who endure testing for the sake of the Kingdom. May S. Chrysogonus show us the way.
Another magnificent contribution from Our Mediæval Historical, Liturgical, and Archological, Correspondent, Dante P. As always, we are truly grateful.
DeleteThis additonal and fascinating uplift in information from Dante P reinforces the devotion and credibility of Saint Chrysogonus.
Dante P states that “Saint Chrysogonus' sacrifice stands thoughtful witness both to the early catechumens and to us today”. How true. How prescient. How fortunate we all are to have such a Saint to guide us, to encourage us, to urge us on.
Why, oh why, did the so-called “Experts” in Vatican II delete and downplay the contribution of such Martyrs ?
That act of desecratioin can only have come, surely, from The Dark Side !!!
Thank You, Dante P, for this wonderful contribution and education.
Saint Chrysogonus, Pray for us.
Too kind, Zephyrinus.
ReplyDeleteBut it is such an error, the 1960’s “revisionism,” the embarrassed downplaying of the Marian feasts, the elimination of those of the angels and archangels, and especially the cult of the Roman martyrs, as though they were all fables.
Yet the archaeological evidence of the Roman martyrs shows just the contrary. So. They are here with us now, and always were. We just need to ask them for help. S. Chrysogonus, guide us! -Comment by Dante P
Again, Dante P highlights the deficiencies and totally embarrassing errors of the so-called “Experts” of Vatican II.
DeleteZephyrinus remembers well the unbelievable announcement in the Early-1980s from “the Liturgical “Experts” of the Vatican II era” that “Angels did not exist” !!!
Besides bringing into grave doubt The Annunciation, it left millions of Catholics incredulous and lost for words.
Isn't it interesting that the “Experts” have never again issued such ridiculous statements and The Vatican has been incredibly quiet on the matter, since.
God Help Us !!!