Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology

Seventh Catacombs Day – Spring Edition, Rome, 2 March 2024

From Remembrance to Prayer

PRESS RELEASE

The Seventh Catacombs Day – Spring Edition will be held on Saturday 2 March 2024, at the seven Roman catacombs open to the public: San Callisto, San Sebastiano, Domitilla, Priscilla, Sant’Agnese, Santi Marcellino and Pietro and San Pancrazio.

The theme of this edition, “From remembrance to prayer”, is part of the preparatory path to the 2025 Jubilee. The Pope wanted this year to be dedicated to prayer, as an appropriate immediate preparation for the celebration of the jubilee event.

The visit to the Christian catacombs, which allows visitors to have an experience that offers an encounter with the memories and testimonies of the first Christian community of Rome, reminds us of people, events, and stories that are very significant and important also for the present. This evocative memory, directly perceived and lived, cannot fail to inspire profound reflection and therefore, for believers, prayer: a prayer addressed to the Lord, God of life and saviour, but also to the Martyrs and to those who have testified to their faith, whose example and intercession support us on the present path.

Among the symbols and images that speak of prayer, that of the Orans stands out above all: the figure that raises its arms to heaven to praise God, to thank him, to ask for aid and help, and to invoke liberation and salvation.

The image proposed is among the most famous: it is the figure of Orans, present in the “cubicle of the veiled lady”, located in the Catacombs of Priscilla.

During the visit, visitors will be invited to capture the many memories imprinted in the evocative environments of the catacombs and to stop for a moment in silence, in prayer.

During the day it will be possible, by booking, to access the underground complexes for free and take advantage of guided tours.

The day of 2 March inaugurates the spring season, encouraging, after the winter break, the resumption of travel, pilgrimages and outdoor activities.

In addition, on 2 March, events related to the day will also take place at some catacombs, such as special visits and workshops for children.

In addition, all participants in the Sixth Catacombs Day will be issued a coupon valid for two reduced-price tickets for visiting the catacombs of Rome open to the public, to be used by 2024.

For the programme of the Day and all information:

www.giornatadellecatacombe.it - www.catacombeditalia.va