St. Cecilia - Basilica of Saint Cecilia in Trastevere
Piazza di Santa Cecilia Roma Roma
The basilica dedicated to the saint who survived a calidarium
The Basilica of Saint Cecilia, who is the patron saint of musicians, was built where her family lived in Trastevere. She was martyred around 230 A.D. when she tried converting her husband and brother. Because of her efforts, she was tortured for three days in the calidarium. However, she was still alive, so her torturers decapitated her. Pope Urban I, who witnessed the martyrdom, buried her in the catacomb of St. Callistus. Years later, Pope Paschal found her body and moved it to a basilica in Trastevere, which is now named after her. As time past, the basilica had numerous work done. Between the 12th and 13th century, the cloister, atrium, and bell tower were added. In the 16th century the entrance to the building was added on with its ancient columns of pink granite and African marble by Ferdinando Fuga.
Her tomb was opened up, and Cardinal Sfondrati had sculptor Stefano Maderno make a sculpting of her body in the way he found it. You can see the sculpture in the church below the altar.
Young Saints Walking Pilgrimage in Rome
Jubilee of Youth: July 28 – August 3
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Learn More at www.theyoungsaints.com. Join the Jubilee of Youth: Program & Registration
Embark on a powerful spiritual journey in the heart of Rome. From July 28– August 3, relics of young saints such as Blessed Carlo Acutis, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, and Blessed Ivan Merz will be displayed publically for pilgrims to venerate. Encounter the history and tradition of our Faith through Live events, seminars concerts, and devotions at select locations during the Jubilee of Youth.
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Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere
The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere stands as one of the oldest churches in Rome, its origins tracing back to the 3rd century. Tradition holds that a miraculous spring of oil flowed from the ground here on the night of Christ’s birth, marking the site as sacred. By the 12th century, Pope Innocent II rebuilt the basilica, giving it much of the form seen today.