Peter, Paul, and Christian Unity

Today in Rome, we commemorate the feast (and public holiday) of Saints Peter and Paul. As part of our celebration, we're fortunate enough to attend the papal mass at St Peter's, and witness the Archbishop of Toronto, Francis Leo, receive his pallium. As we toured this site the other day, our guide, Cornelius, explained how Peter and Paul were martyred not far from where this beautiful basilica now stands. Martyrdom is a large part of Christian history, and while it is tempting to relegate it to a time long past, its effects are still felt to this day, and in ways you wouldn't expect. Not only are there still Christians today who suffer for their faith, but this is a point of unity among Christians—or an "ecumenism of blood" as we heard in one of our lectures on Monday. The martyrdom of Christians has an impact that transcends denominational lines, and is felt by Christians of many creeds, not simply our own. Having received this insight before today's celebrazioni makes this day even more memorable in that it beckons us to remember a time when we were "all one".

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The Catacombs of Domitilla

The story of Christianity is awe-inspiring. This is true whether you are a believer or not. Within 50 years of the physical death of Christ, 12 believers had directly and indirectly converted thousands to the new faith. Within 300 years, they had converted an empire. This tour begins at the walls of Rome within sight of St. John Lateran where we get our ride to the countryside of Rome. Making our way outside the walls, the city changes to country quickly. The Roman countryside is quite beautiful. The hills begin to roll and the gated villas extend to farms of vegetables, rose hips, or barley. The air cleaner and the sound clearer. Flavia Domitilla was the granddaughter of the emperor Vespasian. As daughter of Domitilla "the Younger", Flavia was also the niece of the emperors Titus and Domitian. These catacombs were founded on her property in about the year 120 A.D. Flavia and her husband, Flavius Clemens, were likely ...

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Rome Ecumenism Course 2023

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