Taken from The Saint Andrew Daily Missal for Friday after Ash Wednesday
Indulgence of 10 years and 10 Quarantines
Violet Vestments
The Station at Rome was on Mount Coelius, in the residence that the Christian Senator, Pammachius, in the Fifth Century transformed into a Parish Church, which bears the title of SS John and Paul (Feast Day 26 June). Six frescoes of that period represent the captivity and death of these two Romans, “who in the same faith and the same martyrdom were truly united as brethren”.
Near this Church is a hospice for pilgrims (Xenodochium Valerii). Pammachius, in other directions, spent his whole fortune upon the poor. The Gospel of this Mass and the Postcommunion also speak of Charity.
The Epistle and the Gospel declare that the external works of Penance, such as Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving, which should be practised during Lent, have no value in the sight of God unless they are accompanied by the spirit of internal sacrifice. This spirit shows itself in works of mercy done out of consideration for our neighbour, without distinction of friend or enemy and with the sole intention of pleasing God. Let us ask for the spirit of sacrifice and mercy.
