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Celebration of the Feast of the Roman Protomartyrs in the Vatican

An Event Returns After the Pandemic Pause: Celebration of the Feast of the Roman Protomartyrs in the Vatican

On June 30th at 6:00 PM, organized by the Pontifical Academy of Martyrs, a Eucharistic Concelebration occurred in the Church of Santa Maria della Pietà in the Teutonic Cemetery, filled with faithful attendees. The ceremony, presided over by Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, was accompanied by the Choir of the Diocese of Rome, directed by Marco Frisina, on the occasion of the Feast of the Holy Roman Protomartyrs.

The event saw the participation of Raffaella Giuliani, Magister-President of the Academy, Monsignor Pasquale Iacobone, who concelebrated the Mass and later led the Solemn Procession, Dr. Michele Marocco, the Secretary, and the Councilors of the Pontifical Academy of Martyrs.

After the Mass, the solemn procession wound its way through the avenues of Vatican City, along the streets that were once stained with the blood of the early Christian martyrs. The procession was enlivened by the Pontifical Music Band and included members and associates of the Pontifical Academy of Martyrs, religious sisters and brothers, several Roman archconfraternities, numerous faithful attendees, representatives of the Swiss Guard and Gendarmerie, as well as the Santi Pietro e Paolo Association, which contributed to the organization of the event, as usual.

The procession concluded in Piazza dei SS. Protomartiri Romani with the Solemn Blessing of those present, in a moment of reflection and prayer, at the foot of the inscription of the Collegium Cultorum Martyrum, which commemorates the sacrifice of the early Christian martyrs who met their deaths in the circus and villa of Nero.

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