Where we'll pray: St. Paul Outside the Walls
The Basilica of St. Paul outside the Walls has been through many
changes over the centuries. According to tradition, the first
church was built over Paul's tomb by Pope Sylvester I in the year 324.
This small building was enlarged between 384 and 386, and took the form
of a grand Roman basilica, with five naves, 80 columns, and a four-sided
portico. Over the centuries, the building was substantially
altered and adapted, with major renovations in the 5th, 6th, 8th, 9th,
14th, 16th, and 18th centuries!
Then, on the night of 15-6 July, 1823, the great basilica was almost
destroyed by fire. Pope Leo XII called on all the bishops in the
world to support the rebuilding effort, which began almost immediately
and continued into the twentieth century. The architects and
artists of the time attempted to restore the building to something
resembling the "original" Constantinian basilica. While what we
see today is largely a 19th-century building, it has been called "a
vivid example of reconstructed authenticity," and of all the major
basilicas in Rome (the others are St. Peter's, St. Mary Major, and St.
John Lateran) St. Paul outside the Walls most resembles the kind of
church the Christians of the 4th-10th centuries would have experienced.
A dramatic image of St. Paul by Giuseppe Obici (1817-1878) confronts
us, his gaze bent on all who enter the basilica. The
vividly-colored mosaics on the upper part of the façade depict four
prophets-Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. Above them we see
an image of Jesus as the Lamb of God. From where the Lamb is
seated four rivers flow-symbolizing the four Gospels-and twelve lambs
drink from these streams, representing the twelve Apostles. On the
pediment above, we see Christ in majesty, his hand raised in blessing,
flanked by Saints Peter and Paul. These beautiful mosaics date
from the 19th-century, and are based on mosaics placed here in the
10th-century.
The nave of the Basilica is vast and impressive, lined on each side
with twenty granite columns. Above the columns, both in the aisles and
in the central nave, are medallions depicting all the Popes, from Saint
Peter to Pope Francis. These mosaic portraits were begun by Pope
Pius IX in 1847. Each portrait is distinct, and together they form
a powerful reminder of the unbroken tradition of faith, reaching back to
the apostles. Recent excavations have confirmed the
presence of the saint's tomb, part of an extensive cemetery from ancient
Roman times, beneath the high altar. Here, pilgrims can venerate
the relics of St. Paul, as well as the chains with which he was bound
while a prisoner in Rome.
Above the altar and the tomb rises a magnificent canopy. It is
the work of Arnolfo di Cambio, and dates from 1282 (it suffered minimal
damage in the 1823 fire). The porphyry columns support a graceful
Gothic canopy, decorated with statues of various saints, including Saint
Paul, and the donor, Abbot Bartholomew, head of the ancient Benedictine
monastery which adjoins the Basilica of St. Paul outside the Walls
(Benedictine monks work and pray at the Basilica to this day).
Near the altar is the ancient Paschal candle stand, which dates from
the twelfth century, and which depicts scenes from the Easter liturgy
and the Passion of Christ in wonderfully detailed carving.
The apse mosaics date from the 13th-century, and though severely damaged
by fire, were carefully restored in 1836. They feature traditional
iconography of Christ, enthroned in glory, flanked by Peter and Andrew
on one side, and Paul and Luke on the other.
The crucifix is much older, dating from the 1300's. It is said that
as St. Bridget knelt here in prayer, Christ turned his head to look at
her.Pope Francis at the Tomb of St. Paul
Unity is the gift of mercy from God the Father. Here before the tomb of
St. Paul, apostle and martyr, kept here in this splendid Basilica, we
sense that our humble prayer is supported by the intercession of the
multitudes of Christian martyrs, past and present. They responded
generously to the Lord's call, they gave faithful witness by their lives
to the wonderful works that God has done for us, and they already enjoy
full communion in the presence of God the Father. Sustained by their
example - the example offered by the ecumenism of blood - and comforted
by their intercession, let us make our humble prayer to God.
Pope
Francis, Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, January 25, 2016
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