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 Basilica of Santa Prassede Scott 124 (1949) July 21 serves as the feast day for St. Praxedes (Prassede), a second-century Roman virgin and martyr. One stamp from the 1949 Vatican City Roman Basilicas issue depicts the church named in her honor. St. Praxedes lived in the mid-second century, during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161–180 AD). Her father was St. Pudens, a Roman senator who was an early convert to Christianity. Her sister, Pudenziana, is also venerated as a saint of the Catholic Church.  Prassede and Prudenziana, by Antiveduto Grammatica Pinacoteca Vaticana, Vatican Museums Photo by Sailko From Wikimedia Commons, used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license Following the conversion of Pudens, his entire family converted to Christianity. Saint Praxedes is remembered for her deep faith and acts of charity. Along with her sister, she is said to have sheltered persecuted Christians in her home, collected the bodies of martyrs (to ensure they received proper burials), and provided food, clothing, and comfort to the poor. While some traditions say she died a natural death, others suggest she may have been martyred for her faith. Saint Praxedes died in 165 AD at the age of 16, as did her sister Pudenziana. They were buried, along with their father, in the Catacombs of Priscilla. 
 Left: Façade of Basilica of Santa Prassede Photo by Mari27454 From Wikimedia Commons, used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license Right: Interior and Apse, Basilica of Santa Prassede Photo by Nicholas Hartmann From Wikimedia Commons, used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license The acts of compassion and courage of Saint Praxedes, during a time of Christian persecution, made her a revered figure in early Christian communities. It is fitting that churches dedicated to Saints Praxedes and Pudenziana lie in close proximity to each other, near the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. The Basilica of Santa Prassede is one of the most beautiful early Christian churches and was built in the 4th century. It houses stunning mosaics and is believed to be built over the site of her home. The apse mosaic, which dates to the 9th century and depicts Christ with saints, and includes both Praxedes and her sister Pudentiana. 
 Left: Façade of Basilica of Santa Pudenziana Photo by globustut.by From Wikimedia Commons, used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license Right: Apse Mosaic, Basilica of Santa Pudenziana Photo by Sixtus From Wikimedia Commons, in the Public Domain Church of Santa Pudenziana, located on the Via Urbana, is a five-minute walk from the Basilica of Santa Prassede. It is perhaps the oldest Christian church in Rome, with the original shrine dating to late second century. REFERENCES: |
