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The first historical information about the Basilica of St Balbina dates back to the 6th century, when the St Balbina's relics were transferred there and the church was dedicated to her by Pope Gregory I, but the church probably already existed in the 4th-5th century. The church is located on the “Little Aventine,” hidden to most people. It’s a single space, perhaps the hall of a large private residence, which was later transformed into a church. It underwent many revisions since then, including by Pope Gregory III in 751, Pope Paul II in 1464, and by Cardinal Pompeo Arrigoni in 1600. Initially affiliated with Augustinians, the allegiance changed to the secular priests of Naples by Pope Innocent XII. In 1798 it was even put up for auction. Today it belongs to the Vatican Chapter, but is closed for restoration, and the Lenten station will be held in the nearby Basilica of St Saba. The adjacent convent has undergone a similar fate: It became the first seat of the Pontifical Agrarian Institute for abandoned children, then it housed an institute of correction for minors, then a hospice for converted former prostitutes. Today it is a rest home for the elderly. 
Basilica of St Balbina Exterior Views 
Basilica of St Balbina Interior Views Balbina, the daughter of a tribune, Quirinus, suffered from a goiter. Her father was charged with imprisoning Pope Alexander I, but desperate to help his daughter, her father said that he would convert to Christianity if Alexander could help heal his daughter’s complaint. The imprisoned pope told the girl to kiss the chains that had shackled St Peter so, with his knowledge of where the apostle had been held, Quirinus and Balbina went, found the chains, and after having kissed the shackles, Balbina was cured. True to his word, Quirinus and his family were baptized by the pope. In the time of persecutions, Quirinus was martyred in 116AD, but it is not certain when Balbina died. Some accounts suggest she lived on until 130 AD before being identified as a Christian, martyred and buried next to her father in the catacombs at Praetextatus. Both parent and child were recognized as saints and moved to the church when it was built in the 4th century. The bones and relics of Quirinus and Balbina were placed underneath the altar in the basilica. St Balbina is also depicted among the 140 saints that top the Colonnade of St Peter’s square. On your next (or first) visit to Rome, be sure to include on your agenda a tour of St Balbina. You are sure to discover fantastic aspects of this historic basilica. Reference: 'Santa Balbina ' on WikiPedia.com Roman Station Church for Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent All Photographs are from Commons.WikiMedia.org 
 St Balbina on the Colonnade at St Peter's Pope Innocent XII 1604 (2015) |
