Dodici Apostoli

You walk into the large church. The massive ceiling opens above you, gilded with gold and soaring angels. Before you see the stairs of crypt descending out of sight. As you cross the sweeping floor you pass alcoves that tower on each side.

The turning stairs take you down into silence and cool air. The slight mustiness gives a feeling of age and long-lived peace.

Before you you see a simple stone altar. The Latin text reads: "Here are buried the Apostles Philip and James." You are alone in the secluded crypt. As you kneel in silent prayer the rustic frescoes provide simple company.

Later, as you turn to walk the remainder of the crypt, you read the Latin inscriptions revealing the burial sites of ancient Roman martyrs. You are standing amongst the earliest foundation stones of the living Church.

At long last as you return up the skyward steps you see the sunlight streaming in from the outside. Returning toward the entrance you pass a community gathered in song and prayer. You join them as the ponder on the early moments of Jesus' life in the joyful mysteries of the rosary before the Eucharist elevated in the monstrance.

Stepping outdoors, just next door from your own home, you are amazed at the living connection between today and the original foundations of grace.