Yesterday, the First Sunday of Advent, Solemn Pontifical Mass was sung in the Roman Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs by His Eminence the Cardinal President of the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei.
Mass was sung in the Chapel of San Bruno, a side chapel of the Basilica. The Mass was hosted by members of the parish Archconfraternity of Misericorida (Mercy) on the occasion of their annual celebration.
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This basilica has been, since 1870, the de facto state parish of the Kingdom of Italy and now the Republic of Italy. The kings of Italy were wed in and buried from this church and to this day state funerals are still held here.
The basilica, which is named after the Beatissimae Virgini et omnium Angelorum et Martyrum, was actually built into the frigidarium of the Baths of Diocletian and also houses the tomb of Pope Pius IV Medici, of Trent fame. The Christianization of the former pagan baths with the construction of a church was one of the last projects of the great Michelangelo.
Some photos from the event:
A couple of details from some of John's photos:
Here is a rather nice detail of the vestment used by Cardinal Castrillon Hoyos yesterday. The quality and beauty of the embroidery is truly stunning.
