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 St. John Lateran Fasade Statues, April 1997 This is the fourth visit to St. John Lateran on the Roman Station visit schedule. Here we look at some parts of the Basilica, not directly within the main church building, sometimes missed by tourist visiting Rome in a break-neck tour fashion. St. John Lateran Scala Stairs Scala Sancta According to Romas Catholic tradition, the Scala Sancta, or Holy Stairs in english, were the staircase leading up to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem. These are believed to have been the stairway that Jesus stepped on his way to trial during his passion. The staircase was brought to Rome in the fourth century by St. Helen and used in the Lateran palace. In 1589, Pope Sixtus V remodeled the Lateran Palace due to the fact parts of the build was in ruin and had to staircase moved to its current location. By tradition the Scala Sancta may only be ascended on the knees but for common use, in 1589 four additional staircases, two on each side, were constructed. In 1724 Pope Benedit XIII had the staircase covered in wood because some of the marble was showing wearing. In 2019 the protective wood was replaced again. Throughout many years the staircase has been used by the faithful who climb the stairway on their knees while praying the rosary to gain access to a small chapel at the Basilica of St. John Lateran. Several Popes have tried indulgences to this devotion. Perhaps some of the things people reflect on the same types of ideas reflected in some of the stamps we collect.
Isaiah 2:4 - Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more St. John Lateran Baptistry St.John Lateran Baptistry Exterior.jpg The Lateran Baptistery was founded by Pope Sixtus III in 440, perhaps built from an earlier structure that stood next to the Lateran church. It was constructed at a time when new adult Christians were being introduced to the faith and were not prepared to fully participate in the services. It was a place when inspiring adults would gather and learn about the Christian faith and eventually be baptized in a public ceremony conducted by early Bishops. The Lateran Baptistery underwent elaborate restoration under Pope Urban VIII and the structure has continued to be a separate but attached building structure. The octagon building is supported by eight marble columns, with Corinthian capitals, giving a spacious center area with plenty of room for central baptismal font. Over the years the walls have been richly decorated with various paintings. Eventually baptizing became a ceremony done in infancy done by parish priest using a font within the main church structure. Few churches have separate building structures maintained like the Lateran Baptistery. (Pisa and Florence cathedrals are two other Basilicas that have separate baptistery buildings. There are others.)
 Christ Baptism (from St. Peter Holy Door, 2nd row,left side) Scott 1136c (1999) • George Weigel, "The Easter Vigil - Station at St. John Lateran" Roman Pilgrimage - The Station Churches Basic Books, Copyright 2013, pages 242-246 • Joseph N. Tylenda, S. J, "S. Giovanni in Lateranio" The Pilgrim's Guide To Rome'sPrincipal Churches The Liturgical Press, Copyright 1993, pages 28-38 • Mons. G. Battisia Proja (editor)The Lateran Baptistry Vatican Press, 1990 • Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran - Wilipedia Photographs on this webpage are from the collection Marvin Lanahan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
