Pope Francis commemorated All Souls' Day in the catacombs of Priscilla, the largest catacombs in Rome. They extend for eight miles along the subsoil on the periphery of the Eternal City.
The pope celebrated the Mass with great recollection. It was a somber ceremony in which Pope Francis prayed intensely and focused his homily on the martyrs of the Church.
POPE FRANCIS
“This is the celebration of the feast of All Souls in the catacombs. For me, it is the first time in my life that I enter a catacomb and it is a surprise...it is telling us many things.”
Pope Francis said the persecution against Christians was a painful period in history, but it unfortunately still continues today.
POPE FRANCIS
“Even today there are persecuted Christians, even more than the first centuries. There are many catacombs in other countries, where they even have to pretend to have a party or a birthday to celebrate the Eucharist, because in that place it is forbidden to do so.”
The pope said being in the catacombs made him reflect on three ideas: identity, hope, and place.
“Identity” because the catacombs show a Christian must live with coherence, at any time.
“Hope” since it helps withstand life's difficulties and assures that Heaven is looking down on the earth.
“Place” refers to where a Christian must put his or her heart to persevere until the end, despite persecutions.
POPE FRANCIS
“Where do I feel more secure? In the hands of God or with other things, with other securities that we “rent” but that will eventually fall? Those that have no consistency?”
Since the catacombs were very narrow, few people were present. In previous years, the pope celebrated in the municipal cemeteries of the city and in a World War II cemetery.
The music performed by the religious choir was accompanied by a cello, giving solemnity to the ceremony.
Javier Romero
Carina Anderson
