Lenten Station Church
5th Tuesday in Lent
St. Mary in Via Lata
(Santa Maria in Via Lata)

St Mary in Via Lata is a church on the Via del Corso (the ancient Via Lata), in Rome, Italy. The first Christian place of worship here was a 5th-century oratory in the Roman building beneath the present church. This was constructed within the remains of a large Roman warehouse which has been excavated. The church's upper level was added in the 9th century, and murals added to the lower level between the 7th and 9th centuries. The Cosmetique pavement from this phase survives. The church's 13th century icon of the Virgin Advocate, said to have performed many miracles, and relics of the 3rd century martyr Agapitus lie beneath it. The Arcus Novus (an arch erected by emperor Diocletian in 303–304), which stood on this site was destroyed during reconstruction of the church in the late 15th century. The church was renovated in 1639, but the façade, with its Corinthian columns imposing vertical emphasis, was completed (1658-1660). The high altar Madonna Advocata (1636) is one of the few paintings in churches attributed to Bernini. The ciborium in the apse is made of alabaster and lapis-lazuli. The first excavations of the site also occurred at this date, as commemorated by a relief in the crypt by Cosimo Fancelli. Joseph and Lucien Bonaparte, the brothers of Napolean Bonaparte, were buried here in the 19th century. St Mary in Via Lata Exterior Views St Mary in Via Lata Interior Views St Mary in Via Lata Crypt Beneath the Church Views The crypt of this baroque church is a hidden gem. It preserves a Roman dwelling dating back to the first century, with a story that saw the presence of the pillars of our faith. According to tradition, St Luke the Evangelist took up residence here upon his arrival in Rome, then welcoming St Peter upon his arrival. It is believed that St Paul lived here during the time of his house arrest in Rome, writing his letters to the Colossians, to Philemon, to the Ephesians and to the Philippians. Relics from many martyrs are kept in this church, including the 15-year-old St Agapitus who was tortured and beheaded for his faith. On your next (or first) visit to Rome, be sure to include a tour of St Mary in Via Lata on your agenda. You are sure to discover fantastic aspects of this historic church. Reference: 'Santa Maria in Via Lata' on Wikipedia.org 'Basilica of Saint Mary in Via Lata' on OperaRomanPellegrinaggi.org All Photographs are from Commons.WikiMedia.org Valerianus Persecutions 1700 Anniversary - St Agapitus 258 (1959) St. Paul's Arrival in Rome 19th Century Anniversary 305 (1961) 2nd Vatican Ecumenical Council - St Peter 351 (1962) Evangelist St. Luke by Fra Angelico C57 (1971) Bernini 3rd Centenary of Death 673 (1980)