PHOTOS: Eucharistic procession winds through Vatican streets in honor of protomartyrs of Rome
In celebration of the upcoming feast of the protomartyrs of Rome, a Eucharistic procession was held on June 27, 2024, through the streets of Vatican City. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News
On the occasion of the feast of the holy protomartyrs of Rome, which the Church celebrates every June 30, the traditional Mass and Eucharistic procession took place in Vatican City.
In celebration of the upcoming feast of the protomartyrs of Rome, a Eucharistic procession was held on June 27, 2024, through the streets of Vatican City. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN NewsThe Pontifical Music Band plays during the Eucharistic procession in honor of the protomartyrs of Rome at the Vatican on June 27, 2024. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/ EWTN NewsThe Eucharist is held in a monstrance by Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi during a Eucharistic procession in honor of the protomartyrs of Rome on June 27, 2024, at the Vatican. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/ EWTN News
Holy Mass, celebrated on June 27 in the Church of Our Lady of Mercy at the Teutonic Cemetery, was offered by Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Culture.
Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi presides at the Mass in honor of the holy protomartyrs of Rome on June 27, 2024, at the Church of Our Lady of Mercy of the Teutonic Cemetery in Rome. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News
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At the end, a solemn Eucharistic procession took place, with the accompaniment of the Pontifical Musical Band along the avenues of Vatican City.
Members of the Pontifical Academy Cultorum Martyrum, numerous faithful, representatives of the Swiss Guard, and the gendarmerie as well as members of the Association of Sts. Peter and Paul participated in this traditional procession.
Lay faithful precede the Eucharist during a procession in honor of the protomartyrs of Rome on June 27, 2024. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN NewsCardinal Gianfranco Ravasi holds the monstrance during a Eucharistic procession in honor of the protomartyrs of Rome on June 27, 2024. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN NewsThe Eucharistic procession in honor of the protomartyrs of Rome goes around St. Peter’s Basilica on June 27, 2024 at the Vatican. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN NewsCardinal Gianfranco Ravasi incenses the Eucharist during a procession in honor of the protomartyrs of Rome on June 27, 2024. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN NewsMembers of the faithful follow the Eucharistic procession honoring the protomartyrs of Rome on June 27, 2024. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN NewsSwiss Guard accompany the Eucharist under the baldacchino during a Eucharistic procession in honor of the protomartyrs of Rome on June 27, 2024. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News
Who were the holy protomartyrs of Rome?
On June 30, the Church commemorates the holy protomartyrs of Rome, who died during the first persecution against the Catholic Church, which was unleashed in the second half of the first century.
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They suffered terrible torments and gave their lives just to call themselves “Christians,” followers of Jesus of Nazareth.
Consequently, they were granted the title of “protomartyrs” — a term from ancient Greek — which means “first martyrs” or “first witnesses.”
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.
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