Vatican Unveils the Holy Lance: A Solemn Tribute to the Soldier of Faith, Saint Longinus

Vatican Unveils the Holy Lance: A Solemn Tribute to the Soldier of Faith, Saint Longinus

According to tradition, Longinus not only witnessed the crucifixion but also was healed of a malady of the eyes by the blood that flowed from Jesus’ side.

 Jacob Stein/EWTN Vatican, March 1, 2024 – National Catholic Register

The Holy Lance, also known as the Lance of Longinus, holds a significant place in Christian tradition as the weapon believed to have pierced the side of Jesus during his crucifixion. Tradition holds that the Vatican Basilica has the jealous custody of a relic that is part of the Holy Lance.

The Gospel of John provides the sole biblical reference to this event, recounting that a Roman soldier named Longinus, on the eve of the Sabbath, ensured Jesus’ death by piercing him in the side with a lance. This act, as described in John 19:34, has sparked centuries of reverence and fascination across Europe and inside the Vatican.

The Figure of Saint Longinus: A Soldier of Faith

The story of Saint Longinus has evolved into various local legends, contributing to the rich tapestry of Christianity. The city of Lanciano in the Abruzzo region asserts itself as his birthplace, claiming that his martyrdom occurred there. Conversely, Mantua in Lombardy contends that Longinus preached in the area, was martyred there, and brought relics of the Lord’s Precious Blood and the sponge used during the Passion to the city’s Basilica of St. Andrew.

The diverse narratives surrounding Saint Longinus highlight the widespread devotion and the impact of his acts recorded in the Gospel of St. John and in legends that go beyond the scriptural tradition.

Liturgical Commemoration

The feast of St. Longinus was historically celebrated on March 15. The Roman Martyrology, however, mentions the saint on Oct. 16 without any mention of martyrdom. The entry states: “At Jerusalem, the commemoration of St. Longinus, who is venerated as the soldier opening the side of the crucified Lord with a lance.”

A canon of Saint Peter elevates the relic of the Holy Lance one last time before returning it to its chapel on Feb. 24, 2024.

Inside the Vatican

The statue of St. Longinus, sculpted by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and housed in St. Peter’s Basilica, stands as a testament to his role in Christian history. The statue is one of four statues standing in the pillars’ niches supporting Michelangelo’s dome.

In the Vatican, a special ceremony takes place in St. Peter’s Basilica during the first week of Lent. On the eve of the second Sunday of Lent — this year on Feb. 24 — the canons of St. Peter’s Basilica gather with the archpriest of the basilica, presently Monsignor Mauro Gambetti, and with concelebrating priests and the other ministers. They process to the high altar, presently under restoration, which marks the tomb of St. Peter. At the foot of the altar they meet the faithful, who are waiting for the liturgy to begin.

FOR FULL STORY AND WONDERFUL PHOTOS: Vatican Unveils the Holy Lance: A Solemn Tribute to the Soldier of Faith, Saint Longinus (ewtnvatican.com)

 

BALDACCHINO IN ST. PETER’S BASILICA TO BE RESTORED

What an amazing story!  It will be fascinating to follow the work done on the baldacchino this year!  I never go into the basilica without simply walking around the Altar of the Confessio, built above the confessio and the tomb of the first Pope, St. Peter.

Also known as the Papal Altar, Pope Francis has not said Mass here since the start of his mobility issues in 2022.

In the chapter titled Glossary of Terms in my 2016 book, A Holy Year in Rome, I explain the term baldachin, noting it is related to the word ciborium (plural, ciboria):

Today the word ciborium refers to a vessel, usually metal, in which consecrated hosts, particles of the Blessed Sacrament, or Sacred Species are kept for distribution at communion time. The word comes from the Greek kiborion and originally referred to a canopy of wood, stone, or marble, resting on four or more pillars that covered an altar. Today it is more customary to use the western term baldacchino in describing such a canopy or altar covering. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, the word baldachin “comes from baldacco, meaning Baghdad, because many rich fabrics from that city were used in the adornment of these canopies which, in the Middle Ages, were often suspended from the ceiling, or projected from the wall to cover an altar, or an episcopal throne.” In time, ciboria or baldachins were mandatory over main alters, or where the Blessed Sacrament was housed. This was discontinued under Pope Paul VI.

BALDACCHINO IN ST. PETER’S BASILICA TO BE RESTORED

Ahead of the Jubilee year 2025, the Knights of Columbus are supporting a ten-month restoration of the baldacchino over the high altar in Saint Peter’s Basilica.

By Christopher Wells (Vatican news)

Pope Francis has authorized the first “systematic and complete” restoration of the baldacchino of St Peter’s Basilica, almost 400 years after work began on Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s baroque masterpiece.

The “challenging and necessary” restoration has “significant symbolic value,” the archpriest of the basilica, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti said at a press conference introducing the work, because the baldacchino “marks with its magnificence the place of the Tomb of the Apostle Peter” under the high Altar.

A commitment to charity and unity

The restoration of the “instantly recognizable and impressive” baldacchino is being supported by the Knights of Columbus, a global Catholic fraternal order founded by Blessed Fr Michael McGivney in 1882.

Also present at the press conference, Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly said the restoration of the “singular masterpiece of sacred art” corresponds with the Knights’ “mission and history of service to the Church and especially the Successors of St Peter.”

“Our commitment to this restoration reflects our enduring pledge to our key principles of charity and unity,” he said, adding, “In fact, few works of art express this unity more clearly and immediately.”

Looking ahead to the Jubilee

For his part, Cardinal Gambetti noted that the restoration is motivated by “a careful and dutiful concern for conservation,” and is expected to be completed in December 2024 in time for the opening of the Jubilee Year.

The Cardinal explained that the restoration of the baldacchino “is characterized as particularly complex and articulated due to the importance of the documentation, of logistics, archival research, scientific investigations, the setup of scaffolding, the organization of the construction site in conjunction with the activities and the liturgical life of the basilica, and, of course, the importance of various interventions aimed at conservation.”

He added that papal liturgies will continue to take place during the restoration, with various Vatican offices collaborating to find the “most appropriate solutions for the regular conduct of the celebrations,” especially during Holy Week and Easter.

Plan of restoration

The restoration of the baldacchino will be undertaken in three phases, beginning with provisional work and planning and continuing with preliminary and onsite diagnostics and documentation.

In the third phase, the work of restoration will focus on restoring the metal (bronze and iron) surfaces, the stone surfaces, and the wooden structures of the baldacchino.

The project, expected to cost some 700,000 euros (approximately 768,000 USD), is being funded entirely by Knights of Columbus, Cardinal Gambetti said, “in a spirit of service to the Church and the Pope.”

More than just a historical and architectural renewal, Supreme Knight Kelly added, “it is a renewal of the Knights’ profession of faith and support of the Holy Father.”

A LOOK AT LAUDATE DEUM – PRAYER INITIATIVES, CANDLELIT PROCESSIONS AT ST. PETER’S DURING THE SYNOD

A LOOK AT LAUDATE DEUM

To learn more about Laudate Deum, Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation on the climate crisis, published yesterday, October 4, feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the Dicastery for Human Development (IDH) offers the following site with a description of Laudate Deum and videos in 10 languages: https://linktr.ee/vatican.ihd

Here is a fascinating look at Laudate Deum from Fran Maier in First Things: https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2023/10/laudate-deum-barely-mentions-christ?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=eSTEEP

PRAYER INITIATIVES, CANDLELIT PROCESSIONS AT ST. PETER’S DURING THE SYNOD

St. Peter’s Basilica will accompany the XVI Assembly Ordinary General of the Synod of Bishops with daily prayer initiatives, according to a press release from the Fabbrica of San Pietro, the office that oversees work on and in the basilica, including repairs, maintenance, etc.

Pilgrims will be able to join in prayer for the Synod in the Masses celebrated in the Basilica and with Adoration and evening Eucharist at 7 pm in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. This will be available throughout the synod on weekdays. On this special occasion the closing time of the Basilica is moved to 8 pm.

On Saturday evenings at 9 pm in October, a month especially dedicated to the prayer of the Rosary, the rosary will be recited during a candle-lit procession in St. Peter’s Square. The first appointment is this coming Saturday, October 7, memory of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Rosary. Cardinal Mario Grech, general secretary of the General Secretariat of the Synod, will preside.

During the opening hours of the Basilica, two information points located at the entrance to the Chapel of Santissimo Sacramento and the Chapel of San Giuseppe will provide directions for downloading and read online the texts for personal prayer in the different languages ​​of the Basilica of San Pietro (www.basilicasanpietro.va)

 

VATICAN INSIDER: INSIDE THE BOLLANDISTS WITH FR. MICHAEL MAHER – BASILICA TREASURY MUSEUM FEATURES EXHIBIT ON “CROWNED MADONNAS”

UPDATE ON POPE FRANCIS: An early afternoon bulletin today said,“Pope Francis rested during the night. The clinical picture is progressively improving and the post-operative course is regular. After breakfast he began to move and spent most of the morning in an armchair. This allowed him to read the newspapers and resume his initial work.”

VATICAN INSIDER: INSIDE THE BOLLANDISTS WITH FR. MICHAEL MAHER

My special guest in the interview segment of “Vatican Insider” this week is Jesuit Fr. Michael Maher. A native of Milwaukee, Father teaches history at Marquette University. He has a doctorate in history, two Masters in Theology and an undergraduate degree in Philosophy.

On the roof of the Jesuits Generalate –

If that’s not enough, he is an expert on the Belgium-based Société des Bollandistes, Society of Bollandists, an association of scholars, and historians who, since the early 17th century, have studied the cult of the saints in Christianity. The society is named after the Flemish Jesuit Jean Bollandus. Father Maher talks about that work, about how to separate fact from legend in a saint’s life, the need for scholars to know ancient languages for this work, and what we can learn about societies from reading the lives of the saints. A riveting conversation about a unique institution! Part II next week

IN THE UNITED STATES, you can listen to Vatican Insider (VI) on a Catholic radio station near you (stations listed at www.ewtn.com) or on channel 130 Sirius-XM satellite radio, or on http://www.ewtn.com. OUTSIDE THE U.S., you can listen to EWTN radio on our website home page by clicking on the right side where you see “LISTEN TO EWTN.” VI airs at 5am and 9pm ET on Saturdays and 6am ET on Sundays. On the GB-IE feed (which is on SKY in the UK and Ireland), VI airs at 5:30am, 12 noon and 10pm CET on Sundays. Both of these feeds are also available on the EWTN app and on www.ewtnradio.net ALWAYS CHECK YOUR OWN TIME ZONE! For VI archives: go to https://www.ewtn.com/radio/audio-archive and write the name of the guest for whom you are searching in the SEARCH box. Below that, will appear “Vatican Insider” – click on that and the link to that particular episode will appear

BASILICA TREASURY MUSEUM FEATURES EXHIBIT ON “CROWNED MADONNAS”

On May 31, the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Treasury Museum of St. Peter’s Basilica inaugurated an exhibition of paintings of “Crowned Madonnas” from different periods and origins.

The exhibit, located in the sacristy area of the basilica, runs to October 7. It features faithful pictorial reproductions of Marian images (statues, reliefs, mosaics, wall paintings and on canvas).

This first Vatican exhibition, curated by Pietro Zander, presents fifteen oil paintings on canvas by fifteen different dioceses of Italy. In subsequent exhibitions, a rotation with other paintings will follow, from other dioceses of Italy, Europe and the world.

During the exhibit, which showcases the deep devotion of these communities to the Mother of Our Lord, St. Peter’s Basilica will welcome visits and initiatives from the dioceses of origin of the paintings, promoting celebrations and special prayer meetings and cultural encounters.

 

IN BRIEF

IN BRIEF

SATURDAY: The Vatican announced on June 3^rd that Pope Francis will visit Mongolia from August 31 to September 4. Mongolia has just under 1,500 Catholics but it does have a cardinal, Italian born Giorgio Marengo, apostolic prefect of Ulaanbaatar! Pope Francis to make Apostolic Journey to Mongolia – Vatican News Also: Cardinal Marengo: Pope’s Mongolia visit an encouragement for Catholics – Vatican News

ALSO SATURDAY: At noon, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, performed a penitential rite at the Altar of the Confession as required by canon law when a desecration of an altar takes place. Canon 1211 treats cases of desecration. Such an act happened last Thursday evening, just before the basilica closed, when a Polish man stripped naked and climbed atop the papal altar. The words “Save children of Ukraine” were written on his back in English. He was handed over to Italian police, according to an Italy-Holy See Treaty. Penitential rite held at St. Peter’s for desecration of Altar of Confession – Vatican News

MONDAY: Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, a special papal envoy, today began a two-day trip to Kyiv, Ukraine on a peace-seeking mission to resolve the war between Russia and Ukraine. A Vatican communique announced the trip over the weekend. Zuppi’s appointment as papal envoy had been announced May 20. Cardinal Zuppi in Ukraine, exploring “ways to achieve a just peace” – Vatican News

BREAKING NEWS – IN BRIEF

BREAKING NEWS – An Italian website, Il Fatto Quotidiano has just reported that “Pope Francis was taken by ambulance to the Gemelli hospital in Rome and the audiences scheduled for the next two days were cancelled. This morning, Bergoglio regularly held the usual Wednesday general audience in St. Peter’s Square. Immediately afterwards he returned to his residence, Casa Santa Marta, but suddenly canceled the interview he was supposed to record for the A Sua Immagine program with the presenter Lorena Bianchett.” (ORIGINAL ITALIAN: Papa Francesco ricoverato al Gemelli: arrivato in ambulanza, annullate udienze dei prossimi giorni – Il Fatto Quotidiano

The article goes on to say appointments and audiences in coming days have been cancelled.   They did quote the Holy See Press Director but used only his words that you find below in his original statement.

I want to follow up on this story as well as the one about a new entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica for prayer-goers because, with all the information it gives, the story does not state where that entrance is! I spoke to some gendarmes in a Vatican office this morning and they did tell me that people still have to go through security. I was there to get a new Vatican ID card – nothing could have been easier, thank the Lord. I’ll try to get to the square and verify where that entrance is.

IN BRIEF

POPE AT ROME HOSPITAL FOR SCHEDULED TESTS: Holy See Press Office director Matteo Bruni said in a statement this afternoon that, “The Holy Father is at Gemelli since this afternoon for some previously scheduled check-ups.” The statement does not say if the Pope was admitted to Gemelli hospital or is there only for tests. (“Il Santo Padre si trova da questo pomeriggio al Gemelli per alcuni controlli precedentemente programmati.”)

FABRIC OF ST PETER’S FACILITATES ENTRY TO ST PETER’S BASILICA FOR PILGRIMS: A new initiative has been announced by the Fabric of Saint Peter (“Fabbrica di San Pietro”) – the Vatican institution responsible for the conservation and maintenance of St Peter’s Basilica – to make entry into the Vatican Basilica quicker and easier for those wishing to pray and participate in the Sacraments. A statement from the Fabbrica reads that “a new passageway dedicated to pilgrims and prayer-goers was opened in St Peter’s Square ad experimentum” on Tuesday morning, with the collaboration of the Vatican’s Italian Inspectorate of Public Security, the Governorate of the Vatican City State, and the Vatican Gendarmerie. The opening hours of the new route will be the same as those of the Basilica: every day from 6.50 am until 6.40 pm, and that admission does not require a ticket. FOR FULL STORY: Fabric of St Peter’s facilitates entry to St Peter’s Basilica for pilgrims – Vatican News

(CNA) –BILLBOARD CAMPAIGN FOR TLM ERECTED NEAR VATICAN – A group of Traditional Latin Mass supporters in Italy has sponsored a billboard campaign in a neighborhood near the Vatican. The campaign includes about a dozen billboards in four different designs. They were put up March 28 and will stay in place for 15 days, according to its organizers. Each billboard features a quotation in support of the Latin Mass from either Pope Benedict XVI, St. John Paul II, or Pope Pius V. Across the top, the billboards say: “For love of the pope. For the peace and unity of the Church. For the liberty of the Traditional Latin Mass.” ‘For love of the pope’: Latin Mass supporters post billboards near Vatican | Catholic News Agency

VATICAN INSIDER: THE STORY OF A VOCATION – POPE FRANCIS: I WANT TO GO TO ARGENTINA – ST. PETER’S TO HOST MONTHLY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

There are many excellent, trustworthy websites for people who are either just slightly curious about stories from or about the Vatican or perhaps ardent followers of all news papal and Vatican. Of course I am prejudiced but obviously two of those are in the EWTN family, the National Catholic Register and CNA, Catholic News Agency. A more recent addition to Catholic news sources is www.pillarcatholic.com, especially with its Tuesday and Friday email editions.

The March 10 issue is important for a number of stories but especially for the big news of the week at an ongoing Vatican trial regarding charges of financial misdeeds, embezzlement, money laundering, fraud and other accusations. One of the accused is Cardinal Angelo Becciu, former number two in the Vatican’s Secretariat of State and former prefect of the Dicastery for Causes of Saints.

If you go to the link and scroll down to the title “He’s just not that into you” you can read the exchange of letters between Pope Francis and Cardinal Becciu who had asked the Pope to basically stand behind him in the trial. These amazing missives were part of the latest session of the court and there is video as well (in Italian, naturally).

VATICAN INSIDER: THE STORY OF A VOCATION

Welcome to a new edition of “Vatican Insider” featuring news stories from the Vatican and an always-interesting interview segment.

My guest in the interview segment is Fr. Brad Easterbrooks, although he was a Deacon studying in Rome when I interviewed him for Vatican Insider just before his priestly ordination. The first part of our conversation aired last weekend when we looked at his pre-seminary years – work at a consulting firm and on political campaigns, law school, then the Navy and assignment as a lawyer for JAG (remember the TV show “JAG” – Judge Advocate General!).

Fr. Brad has such an amazing story – one that continues following his ordination in June 2022 – that I wanted to offer an encore presentation. Part II this weekend!

On his ordination day (photo from Military Archdiocese of the U.S.- Father Bradley David Easterbrooks, LTJG, USNR, a candidate for United States Military chaplaincy)

Poway, CA_ordination of two priests at St. Gabriel’s Church

IN THE UNITED STATES, you can listen to Vatican Insider (VI) on a Catholic radio station near you (stations listed at www.ewtn.com) or on channel 130 Sirius-XM satellite radio, or on http://www.ewtn.com. OUTSIDE THE U.S., you can listen to EWTN radio on our website home page by clicking on the right side where you see “LISTEN TO EWTN.” VI airs at 5am and 9pm ET on Saturdays and 6am ET on Sundays. On the GB-IE feed (which is on SKY in the UK and Ireland), VI airs at 5:30am, 12 noon and 10pm CET on Sundays. Both of these feeds are also available on the EWTN app and on www.ewtnradio.net ALWAYS CHECK YOUR OWN TIME ZONE! For VI archives: go to https://www.ewtn.com/radio/audio-archive and write the name of the guest for whom you are searching in the SEARCH box. Below that, will appear “Vatican Insider” – click on that and the link to that particular episode will appear.

POPE FRANCIS: I WANT TO GO TO ARGENTINA

Pope Francis is interviewed by the Argentinean website Infobae, on the 10th anniversary of his pontificate. He discusses his hopes for change in Venezuela, an end to the war in Ukraine, the situation in Nicaragua, the “discipline” of celibacy, “evil resistances” in the Church, and his vow to Our Lady not to watch television.

By Salvatore Cernuzio (vaticannews)

Above all, Pope Francis focuses on Central and South America in an interview he gave to the Argentine news site Infobae, a few days before the celebration of the tenth anniversary of his pontificate. He discusses his desire for a trip to Argentina, his hope for change in Venezuela and the denunciation of a “crude dictatorship” in Nicaragua. In the interview at Santa Marta with portal owner Daniel Hadad, the Pontiff ranges from geopolitical issues, such as the war in Ukraine, to ecclesial issues, such as his approach towards homosexual people and the role of women, to more personal topics (“Why don’t you watch TV anymore?”).

For answers to that question and others: Pope Francis: I want to go to Argentina – Vatican News

ST. PETER’S TO HOST MONTHLY EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

(CNA – Hannah Brockhaus) St. Peter’s Basilica will now host an hour of Eucharistic adoration on its front portico once a month.

Beginning March 14, adoration will take place every second Tuesday from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the parvise in front of the Vatican basilica leading to St. Peter’s Square.

The Holy Hour, according to a press release, is part of the pastoral initiatives of the basilica.

The March 14 adoration will be led by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, OFM Conv, who is the archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica. The prayer will be offered for Pope Francis in light of his 10th anniversary as pope.

For more: St. Peter’s Basilica to hold monthly eucharistic adoration on portico | Catholic News Agency

 

FAITHFUL PAY PRAYERFUL TRIBUTE TO BENEDICT XVI

FAITHFUL PAY PRAYERFUL TRIBUTE TO BENEDICT XVI

More Vatican media images of faithful entering St. Peter’s basilica where Benedict XVI lies in state. Visitors include Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Georgia Meloni.

POPE BENEDICT REMAINS BROUGHT TO ST. PETER’S

POPE BENEDICT REMAINS BROUGHT TO ST. PETER’S

The body of the late pontiff arrived at 7:15 this morning in St. Peter’s Basilica from the Mater Ecclesiae monastery where he had lived for almost 10 years. Cardinal Gambetti, archpriest of the basilica, blessed the body and led a brief prayer service. Benedict XVI lies just in front of the papal altar and the stairway down to the Confessio. (Vatican media)

 

 

THE VERY SAD STORY OF ST. JOSEPH’S ALTAR – AN EARLY MORNING VISIT TO ST. PETER’S SACRISTY

A most enlightening piece by Andrea Gagliarducci. If I had to give it a subtitle, it would be: “Synodality everywhere except Rome.” I posted this in FB and Twitter as well. http://www.mondayvatican.com/vatican/pope-francis-the-limits-of-personalism

THE VERY SAD STORY OF ST. JOSEPH’S ALTAR

Once upon a time St. Peter’s sacristy was really crowded in the early mornings with priests vesting for Mass at some of the scores of altars in this majestic basilica. Many of those priests worked in the Vatican and this was their morning Mass routine. Priests visiting Rome could say Mass at a side altar, and often invited a friend to do a reading. I was blessed to be a reader on many occasions at many altars, including at one of my favorites – the altar of Pope St. John XXIII.

Priests with a pilgrimage group could (and still can) say Mass in one of the chapels in the Grotto area.

All that (except for pilgrimage groups) changed over a year ago when orders came down that forbade priests to say individual Masses at the basilica chapels. If, for example, a Vatican or Roman Curia priest now wants to say morning Mass, he may do so only with other priests and only at those altars where they face the congregation, that is, the Altar of the Chair and the Altar of the Choir.

By its mere layout, the only chapel where a priest can have his back to the congregation is the Clementine Chapel in the Grottoes: you saw my photos of Fr. Ryan Brady’s Mass here on June 18.

You have absolutely no idea how many priests were saddened, even deeply wounded, by this change. You have no idea how many told me in person or sent emails or other messages with vivid memories of their special Masses at side altars and chapels.

Saturday, after Mass with Fr. Ryan and six seminarians, we roamed around the basilica a bit and I saw something that so shook me up, so saddened me and yes, even angered me, that I could not post the pictures I took. Mass with Ryan and the seminarians was such a special, happy story that I didn’t want to spoil the mood.

There is an altar in the center of the left transept of the basilica dedicated to St. Joseph – an altar blessed by Pope John XXIII on March 19, 1963, the feast of St. Joseph. Hundreds of people attend the daily Masses offered at this altar and most do not realize they are in the presence of two of the twelve apostles!  We know the basilica is dedicated to Peter but the relics of two more Apostles, Simon and Jude Thaddeus are in an ancient sarcophagus beneath the St. Joseph altar! At the sides of the altar are two round mosaics of these saints.

Here are some pictures of that altar where I’ve attended daily Mass dozens of times:

 

And here is what I saw Saturday that broke my heart! In front of the communion rail, naturally, as the small chapel sanctuary would not have room for a second altar.

You see what was done! Why I am heartbroken! In order to force priests to face the congregation, a new altar was placed in front of the original, very beautiful, historic altar with relics of two Apostles. In no way, can one even suspect that Simon and Jude Thaddeus are here as you can’t see the original altar!

P.S. Simon is also known as Simon the Canaanite or Simon the Zealot because of his zealous following of Jesus and his evangelizing work, whereas Jude is also called Jude Thaddeus and he is always distinguished from the apostle Judas who betrayed Jesus. Tradition says that both apostles traveled together to preach the gospel in Persia, and both were martyred there: Jude was beaten to death with a club, and Simon was sawed in half. They share a feast day – October 28. St. Jude is usually depicted with an axe or sword, and St. Simon with a saw—the instruments of their deaths.

AN EARLY MORNING VISIT TO ST. PETER’S SACRISTY

The sacristy is two-thirds the way up the left aisle of St. Peter’s basilica. You will know you’ve reached the entryway to the sacristy area when you see this above the large doorway:

And this opposite that doorway:

Then you enter and walk for perhaps 40 or so meters, passing windows that look out over Vatican City, statues, marble engravings and a list of all the Popes through St. John Paul (deceased Popes). You’ll see a gift store just before you turn left to get to the sacristy:

And then the sacristy: