Fourth Station: Saturday after Ash Wednesday at St Augustine

Coming from the busy streets near Piazza Navona, we find ourselves a quiet square before the graceful façade of today’s station.  Originally the liturgy of today was celebrated in the church of St. Tryphon.  This was an older church which once stood near here but was demolished to make room for the adjacent Augustinian convent, which was later confiscated by the Italian government after the invasion of Rome in 1870.  The church of St. Augustine, under the patronage of the great pastor and author of the fourth and fifth centuries, dates back to the medieval period, with the first church begun in 1296 and construction continuing over the following two centuries, finishing in 1446. (From: Procedamus in Pacem, PNAC)

One of the special things of this church is that St Monica’ tomb, Augustine’s mother, is here. She gives us example of endurance, perseverance and confidence in prayer. When you pray and see there is nothing happening, pray more. If nothing happens yet, pray, pray and pray.

Let us Pray

Almighty ever-living God,

Look with compassion on our weakness

And ensure us your protection

By stretching forth the right hand of your majesty.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

One God, for ever and ever. (Collect from Mass). 

The interior of this church is an honest testimoy to the Renaissance period. 

St Monica's tomb. We take a moment to reflect upon this woman , whose steadfast faith and constant prayers would win for God the great saint after whom this church is named. 

Chapel of  St Nicholas of Tolentine. Underneath this altar are his relics. 

One of the greatest treasures of this church is this fresco of Isaiah by Raphael. Below there is a sculpture of St Anne, the Blessed Virgin, and Our Lord. While Isaiah foretold the Messiah in his inspired writings, St. Anne was the woman who bore naturally the Blessed Virign, who would bear the Son of God supernaturally. 

This is the main altar, a work by Bernini.

In the last chapel is the artistic highlight of this church: Caravaggio's Madonna of the Pilgrims .

This painting is executed in Caravaggio's characteristic style. It first attracted attention for its portrayal of the worn and dirty pilgrims before the Blessed Virgin, which was seen as scandalous by some. However, with the eye of faith it is only too fitting that it is here. It helps us to reflect on how, just like St Monica aided her son to find Christ, so does Christ's mother aid us through her intercession, so that, stained though, we may be from our journey through this world, we may be received into the presence of her Son.