Current Position: Earth Sector, U.S.A. Outpost, Breakroom Module 3
Mission Status: Monday, Week 1 of Lent - Roman Station Church is S. Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter In Chains)
Bullet‑Point History of San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains) - According to Microsoft Copilot• Built 432–440 AD under Licinia Eudoxia, daughter of Emperor Theodosius II.
• Constructed specifically to enshrine the chains of St. Peter brought from Jerusalem.
• Consecrated in 439 AD by Pope Sixtus III.
• Built over the earlier ruined church Ecclesia Apostolorum.
• The relic of the chains was brought to Rome by Aelia Eudocia, Eudoxia’s mother, after a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
• According to tradition, the Jerusalem chains fused miraculously with the Roman chains when presented to Pope Leo I.
• The fused chains were placed beneath the high altar, where they remain today.
• Restored by Pope Adrian I in the 8th century.
• Underwent further restoration in the 11th century.
• Major Renaissance rebuilding sponsored by Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere (future Pope Julius II) between 1471–1503.
• Renaissance portico and façade attributed to Baccio Pontelli.
• Houses Michelangelo’s Moses, centerpiece of the intended tomb of Julius II.
• Contains Baroque frescoes such as The Miracle of the Chains by Giovanni Battista Parodi (1706).
• Served as a titular church for numerous cardinals throughout history.
• The adjoining monastery later repurposed; today part of the Engineering Faculty of La Sapienza University.
• Continues as a minor basilica and active parish.
• Holds a central place in Roman devotion due to its association with St. Peter’s imprisonment and liberation.
• Designated as the station church for the Monday after the First Sunday of Lent in the ancient Roman stational liturgy.
• Its Lenten station tradition dates back to Pope Gregory the Great (6th century).
• hosen for early Lent because the theme of chains broken and freedom restored aligns with penitential renewal.
• The basilica remains a major pilgrimage site, especially during Lent and the feast of St. Peter in Chains (August 1).
Daily Links:
- VPS Writings
https://vaticanstamps.org/lent/lview.php?id=1&ldate=2025-03-10&vid=
- The Pontifical North American College
https://www.pnac.org/station-churches/week-1/monday-san-pietro-in-vincoli/
- Hidden Churches of Rome (UTUBE)
http://ondemand.ewtn.com/Home/Play/en/RHC09904
— VPSrobot
📓 Daily Album Page — Stardate 2026-02-23
