The Basilica of St. Mary in Trastevere is a wonderful treasure. There has been a church on this land since the year 340 - making it one of the oldest churches in all of Rome. The mosaics here are truly incredible and we were blessed to have retired Cardinal Stafford (Denver, Memphis, Baltimore) and he was a humble and inspired presenter. There is an Icon of the Blessed Mother in this church that is considered the oldest icon of Mary in the West. Trastevere is the area of Rome where Jewish settlers would come from the Middle East. The cardinal believes that the letter to the Romans may have been read, for the very first time, right on this spot. There is a hill above Trastevere where oil began to follow down hill in 38 B.C. It was believed that this place was holy, sacred and was a prophecy in action.
The beautiful mosaics depict the life of Mary. We find her distinctive face in a 7th century icon where Mary is seated with Christ. This face of Mary is repeated in the mosaics above the altar. They show scenes from the life of Mary. We celebrated Mass at the main altar here which I had never experienced before. Cardinal Stafford presided and one of the priests on sabbatical, Fr. John Vien, preached.
Oh, and by the way, we saw the right foot of St. Therese of Avila encased in a glass reliquary. I know - a pun is in order but I'm one step ahead of you!!!
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