ST PAUL’S CHAIN ON DISPLAY NEXT TO HIS TOMB
This important relic of the Apostle on show in a decorative display case.
The surviving links of the chain that, according to age old tradition, held St Paul as a prisoner here in Rome between 61 and 63AD until the successful outcome of his trial, are now on display in an illuminated and decorative display case near the Apostle’s tomb in the Papal Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls. In this way, what is regarded as the most important relic of the Apostle of the Gentiles can be more easily venerated than in past years by the thousands of pilgrims and faithful who come to the Basilica every day. The chain was previously kept in a gold and crystal ciborium in the chapel of the Benedictine Abbey together with other relics of the saint. The decision to give it greater visibility on the ‘Confessio’ altar under the baldacchino by Arnolfo di Cambio was taken by the Archpriest of the Basilica, Cardinal Andrea di Montezemolo to mark the Pauline Year which will be inaugurated by Pope Benedict XVI on June 28th. The relocation of the relic in the Basilica was carried out by the Benedictine Abbot, Fr Edmund Power, while the Cardinal placed it into its bronze case with a crystal viewing window. Arranged on a silk background, you can now see all nine links of the chain with two enlarged Roman coins at the ends – ‘sesterces’ with effigies of the Emperor Nero to recall that St Paul was kept prisoner and martyred under him. The display case, commissioned by Cardinal di Montezemolo, was designed by distinguished Italian sculptor Guido Veroi, who also made the panels for the Pauline Door, as well as a commemorative medal for the Pauline Year and a coin for the Vatican City State to celebrate the bi-millennium of St Paul’s birth. It was St John Chrysostom who was among the first to bear witness to the tradition of venerating St Paul’s chain. Every year during the liturgical celebration of the solemnity of St Paul on June 29th the chain is carried in procession around the Basilica by the Abbot of St Paul Outside the Walls. Over recent years this procession has taken on an ecumenical dimension through the participation of many Orthodox and Protestant Christians. |
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The Prior of the Abbey of St Paul Outside the Walls has composed a hymn in honour of the Apostle of the Gentiles.
To read the music and listen to the hymn, go to the site:
www.abbaziasanpaolo.net |
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