Art & Culture of Rome Journal 3 - 9/2/10

Scala Sancta
A.)1. According to the Blue Book of Rome, The Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs) are the steps that led up to the praetorian of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem, which Jesus stood during his Passion on his way to trial.
2. The stairs were brought to Rome by St. Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, in the 4th century. The stairs are now located in the Chapel of St. Lawrence.
3. There are 28 white marble steps, now enclosed by wooden steps.
4. Historical Essay

Being Catholic and seeing the Holy Stairs for the first time and knowing that Jesus once walked on them deeply impacted me. I opted out of climbing the steps by my knees because the group was limited on time, but seeing that many people showing reverence to Jesus was great and I felt at peace.

From newadvent.org it states that, “In the Catholic Church, plenary indulgence can be climbing the stairs on the knees. Pius XII on September 2, 1817 granted those who ascend the stairs in the prescribed manner an indulgence of nine years for every step. Finally Pius X, on February 26, 1908, granted a plenary indulgence to be gained as often as the stairs are devoutly ascended after confession and communion.” To be this relates back to what I learned in class on Thursday about superstitions. The Romans were very superstitious people and many people believed that if they did this they would be granted plenary indulgences. The holy stairs have been around for many years and mass amounts of people come to visit daily to pray to Jesus for sacrificing his life.

Catacombs of Domitilla
A.)1. The Catacombs of Domitilla are Rome’s oldest underground burial networks, and the only one to still contain bones
2. Is located close to the Catacombs of San Castillo in Rome
3. It spreads out over 15 kilometers of underground caves
4. Historical Essay

The Catacombs of Domitilla are the best preserved catacombs in Rome and the most extensive of all the catacombs. What I found to be most interesting about this catacomb was that it was the only one to have a church in it. The reason for this was because the Christians during the time this was built, were being persecuted for their faith. So, the Christians went to the Catacombs of Domitilla to pray. It was the only place that they could get away and be one together all practicing the same faith.

Another important artifact that awed me at the Catacombs was the fresco of the last supper in the center of the underground cave. It’s a very detailed fresco that was made in the 2nd century and really was an important image for Christians during that time and Christians today. Not only were there beautiful Christian frescos, there were also symbols inscribed next to some of the tombs talking about Jesus and praying to God that they will be safe and rest in peace.