The Roman Anglican

Today is the Feast of the Visitation, when the Church celebrates the Blessed Virgin Mary’s joyful encounter with Elizabeth. Central to this episode is Mary’s hymn of thanksgiving, the Magnificat, sung after Elizabeth acknowledges her as the Mother of God. It is a fourfold meeting: Elizabeth carries Saint John the Baptist, the last of the prophets, while Mary bears Christ. Even in the womb, John greets the Lord, who, according to later devotional tradition, returns the blessing.

Renaissance artists developed a rich iconography for this scene. First comes the occursus, the meeting of the two women; then the exsultatio, as John leaps in Elizabeth’s womb; and finally the Magnificat, as Mary gives voice to her joyful praise. In some depictions, the unborn Christ is even shown blessing the Baptist, emphasizing the profound spiritual exchange taking place before birth. In Jacopo Pontormo’s magnificent Mannerist Visitation, these three moments merge into a single, emotionally charged scene, moving from recognition to revelation and finally to praise.

Today is the feast of one of my favorite saints, the "third apostle of Rome". Saint Philip Neri was born in Florence in 1515 into a noble family, but soon found a strong faith, initially through the Dominicans at San Marco. He then had a strong conversion experience and moved to Rome as a young man and spent years in prayer by the tombs of the martyrs in the ancient catacombs, where his faith deepened. He was known for his joyful humor and deep humility, he was often found walking the streets feeding the poor, visiting the sick, serving the pilgrims in churches such as Santa Trinità dei Pellegrini which he founded, where he would care for the abandoned. He was famous for his miracles, such as that in which he brought young Paolo Massimo back to life long enough to bless his family, the boy's room is now the family chapel at the Palazzo Massimo alle Colonne. In 1575 he founded the Oratorians in Rome, a community of prayer, preaching, music, and service which together with the Jesuits formed the backbone of the Counter-Reformation, using beauty in art and music to convert the hearts of the faithful. Later, the Oratorians would found the beautiful Baroque jewel that is the Chiesa Nuova (Santa Maria in Vallicella) which eventually became his spiritual home and resting place, in which he spent his last days celebrating the mass, praying, and helping the needy. There, a stunning painting by Baroque master Guido Reni captures the serenity and heavenly joy that defined his mission. Saint Philip showed that holiness can shine through laughter, kindness, and humble service. "Cast yourself into the arms of God and be very sure that if he wants anything of you, He will fit you for the work and give you strength".

On this feast of Saint Helena, a blog on the Roman Jerusalem.

Santa Croce in Gerusalemme: the Roman Jerusalem. The Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, not too far from the first Cathedral of the world, Saint John Lateran, is one of the seven ...

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened”.

Sermon preached on the First Sunday after the Ascension at St. John's Hills Road in Cambridge. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. A few days ago, the weather forecast announced that what we have ju...

May is the month of Mary, and here's more on Rome's own Mary.

Salus Populi Romani: Protectress of the Roman People. The Eternal City, the heart of Western Christianity with its great basilicas and shrines, speaks of the triumph of Christianity in its visua...

Some altars of repose from Rome tonight.

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation, the moment the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would bear Jesus, marking the beginning of the Incarnation and a turning point in salvation history. Dive into its rich history and artistic legacy.

The Feast of the Annunciation: History and Artistic Legacy. Today, the Church celebrates one of the most solemn Feasts of the year, the Annunciation, the moment when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to ...

Marking 60 years since Pope Paul VI and Archbishop Michael Ramsey met in Rome, a historic step toward Christian unity and dialogue.

60 years of ecumenical dialogue between Rome and Canterbury. Today marks the 60th anniversary of the historic meeting between Pope Paul VI and Archbishop of Canterbury Michael Ramsey in Rome on 23 Marc...

Los "Reyes Catolicos" are in Rome. The historic patronage of the Spanish Crown and the Roman Church.

Imperial Gold and Marian Devotion: The Historical Relationship Between the Spanish Crown and Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. The four papal basilicas of Rome have always traditionally been associated with the most powerful crowns of Europe under the blessing of the...

Ever felt uncomfortable about certain attributions of artworks in some museums? You were not wrong!

Generous Attributions: Renaissance Masters and the Formation of British Collections. One of the privileges of living in Cambridge is having access to the small but fine Fitzwilliam Museum, located at a short walking distance ...