Advent Calendar: Roman Gate 24

Gates, lift high your heads,

raise high the ancient gateways,

and the king of glory shall enter.

Psalm 24: 7 (New Jerusalem Bible)

Gate on Via di San Teodoro

This gate opens to the south-west zone of the Palatine Hill. In this area are some of Rome's most ancient ruins, including Iron Age huts with burial grounds. (This could be the site of the caves of Romulus, Rome's legendary founder.) This part of the Palatine was also the site of the Temple of Magna Mater, dedicated to the religion of Cybele, brought to Rome in 204 BC during the 2nd Punic War.

Advent Prayer to Jesus

You are our eternal salvation,
The unfailing light of the world.
Light everlasting,
You are truly our redemption.
Grieving that the human race was perishing
through the tempter's power,
without leaving the heights
You came to the depths in your loving kindness.
Readily taking our humanity by Your gracious will,
You saved all earthly creatures, long since lost,
Restoring joy to the world.
Redeem our souls and bodies, O Christ,
and so possess us as Your shining dwellings.
By Your first coming, make us righteous;
At your second coming, set us free:
So that, when the world is filled with light
and you judge all things,
We may be clad in spotless robes
and follow in Your steps, O King,
Into the heavenly hall.
Unknown Author, 10th century

Advent Calendar: Roman Gate 23

Gates, lift high your heads,

raise high the ancient gateways,

and the king of glory shall enter.

Psalm 24: 7 (New Jerusalem Bible)

Gate to Cimitero Acattolico

This is the entrance to the Non-Catholic Cemetery here in Rome, often called the Protestant Cemetery or English Cemetery. Among those buried in the cemetery are John Keats, the poet Shelly, Goethe's illegitimate son August, American architect William Rutherford Meade (of McKim, Meade & White), Richard Henry Dana, the author of Two Years Before the Mast, Antonio Gramsci, a founding father of European Communism, and many other people who were painters, sculptors, authors and diplomats.

O King of the Gentiles
and the long-for Ruler of the nations,
You are the cornerstone Who make all one.
- Come and save those whom You have created.

O Emmanuel
our King and our Lawgiver
You are the Desired of the nations
and the Savior of all men.
- Come to save us, O Lord, our God!

From the Great "O Antiphons"

Advent Calendar: Roman Gate 22

Gates, lift high your heads,

raise high the ancient gateways,

and the king of glory shall enter.

Psalm 24: 7 (New Jerusalem Bible)

Baptistry Gate

This gate is in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, built in the 6th century as a church for the Greek people of Rome. Today the church is used by the Melkite community, mainly Lebanese Catholics under the Byzantine Rite. (The Mass is celebrated in both Arabic and Greek.) The church is one of the main tourist attractions in Rome because of la Bocca della Verità, an ancient sculpture thought to be a drain covering, located in its portico. But for those who venture inside the basilica, there are beautiful mosaics and sculptures. (Among the former titular cardinals of the church is Reginald Cardinal Pole, the last Roman Catholic Archbishop of Canterbury.)

Collect for the 4th Sunday in Advent
Pour forth thy power, O Lord, and come:
Assist us by that mighty power,
so that by thy grace and merciful kindness
we may swiftly receive the salvation that our sins impede:
Who livest and reignest with thee
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
ever one God, world without end. Amen.


Advent Calendar: Roman Gate 21

Gates, lift high your heads,

raise high the ancient gateways,

and the king of glory shall enter.

Psalm 24: 7 (New Jerusalem Bible)

Porta San Giovanni

The Porta San Giovanni is a gate in the Aurelian Wall named after the nearby Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano. It is made up of a single grand arch built in 1574 by Giacomo della Porta for Pope Gregory XIII. The story is told that della Porta died at this gate in 1602 when he was coming back from Frascati in a coach with his patron, Cardinal Aldobrandini. His death was a result of violent indigestion brought on by melons and watermelons he ate while in the Casteli Romani.

Introit: Advent Four

Father, all-powerful God,
your eternal Word took flesh on our earth
when the Virgin Mary placed her life
at the service of your plan.
Lift our minds in watchful hope
to hear the voice which announces his glory
and open our minds to receive the Spirit
who prepares us for his coming.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

From the Companion Missal

Advent Calendar: Roman Gate 20

Gates, lift high your heads,

raise high the ancient gateways,

and the king of glory shall enter.

Psalm 24: 7 (New Jerusalem Bible)

Chiesoletta Gate in Garbatella

The Chiesoletta was built in 1818 and is dedicated to Saint Isidoro and Saint Eurosia. According to legend, St. Philip Neri and St. Charles Borromeo first met where the church stands today. It is across the Piazza from our apartment building and is part of the parish of San Felipo Neri. The Communty of Sant't Egidio has regular prayer services in this little church.

Anglican Collect for the Fourth Sunday of Advent

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation,
that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a
mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
1979 Book of Common Prayer

Advent Calendar: Roman Gate 19

Gates, lift high your heads,

raise high the ancient gateways,

and the king of glory shall enter.

Psalm 24: 7 (New Jerusalem Bible)

Gates to Street Shrine on Via die Querceti

This thousand-year-old street shrine was probably originally dedicated to the legendary Popessa Joan. There is mention of a shrine on this site in a guide book from 1518, saying that it commemorated the 8th century stoning death of the English woman who became pope. Today you can peek inside and see a small 14th century fresco. In the upper right corner is an early 19th century plaque that reads:

Mary's smile will gladden this site

if the passer-by addresses Her: Hail Mother.

O Key of David
and Royal Power of Israel,
You open what no man can shut,
and You shut what no man can open.
- Come and deliver Your people
imprisoned by darkness and the shadow of death

O Radiant Dawn
You are the brightness of eternal light
and the Sun of justice.
- Come to enlighten those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death.

from the Great "O" Antiphons

Advent Calendar: Roman Gate 18

Gates, lift high your heads,

raise high the ancient gateways,

and the king of glory shall enter.

Psalm 24: 7 (New Jerusalem Bible)

Passetto Gate - Vatican City

The Passetto (small passage) is the corridor along the top of the old Vatican wall between the Papal Palace and the Castel Sant' Angelo. These arches were cut into the wall to give access to St. Peter's Square from the Via Porta Angelica. (You can see the columns of Bernini's colannade through the gate.) While the Porta Angelica no longer exists, the markings above these portals are reminders of the gate originally built by Pius IV.

OWisdom,
Holy Word of God
You rule all creation with power and true concern.
- Come teach us the way of salvation.

O Sacred Lord
and leader of ancient Israel
You communicated with Moses at the burning bush
and gave him the law on Mount Sinai
- Come to set us free by Your mighty arm.

O Root of Jesse
raised up as a sign of all peoples
in Your presence kings become mute
and the nations worship before You
- Come to deliver us and do not delay.

from The Great "O" Antiphons

Advent Calendar: Roman Gate 17

Gates, lift high your heads,

raise high the ancient gateways,

and the king of glory shall enter.

Psalm 24: 7 (New Jerusalem Bible)

Farm Gate

This farm gate is in the Caffarella Valley, located near the Aurelian Walls and between two ancient Roman roads, Via Appia and Via Latina, both leading to southern Italy. The farm, with a history that began in the 16th century, is within the city limits of Rome and is still active today. It is part of the 8,500 acre Parco Regionale dell' Appia Antica.

Lamb of God,
You once came to rid the world of sin;
cleanse me now from every stain of sin.
Lord, you came to save what was lost;
come once again with Your salvific power
so that those You redeemed will not be punished.
I have come to know You in faith;
may I have unending joy
when You come again in glory.
New Saint Joseph People's Prayer Book

Advent Calendar: Roman Gate 15

Gates, lift high your heads,

raise high the ancient gateways,

and the king of glory shall enter.

Psalm 24: 7 (New Jerusalem Bible)

Entry Gate to the Basilica of San Clemente

The courtyard of the church, seen through these gates, dates from the 12th century.

This church is one of the under-rated and often missed spots in Rome. It has four construction levels that span 22 centuries. Under the churches there are ruins of a Mithraic temple and a Roman house destroyed during Nero's fire. The first church on the site was built in the 4th century, and above it was constructed the 12th century church that gives shape to the basilica today. An 18th century restoration presents an impression of the baroque first, but as you look around, you see the wonderful elements from the 12th century, including the canopy over the altar and the amazing mosaic in the apse.

Lord God, may we, your people, who look forward to the birthday of Christ experience the joy of salvation and celebrate that feast with love and thanksgiving. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Advent Calendar: Roman Gate 14

Gates, lift high your heads,

raise high the ancient gateways,

and the king of glory shall enter.

Psalm 24: 7 (New Jerusalem Bible)

Porta Settimana in Trastevere

The Roman Emperor Septimus Severus built the original archway on this site at the end of the 2nd century. During the 3rd century it was one of the three gates in the Aurelian Walls on the west side of the Tiber River. (Today there is nothing left of this section of the wall.) In the Middle Ages, it was the gate used by pilgrims to reach St. Peter's Basilica when they arrived from the Tiber River port in Trastevere. In the 15th century it took on the military look and the double-pointed merlons that are seen today when Pope Alexander VI restored and rebuilt the gate. (Still seen are traces of a 17th century fresco on the wall.)

Catholic Collect for the 3rd Sunday in Advent

We beseech thee to listen to our prayers, O Lord,
and by the grace of thy coming enlighten our darkened minds:
Thou who livest and reignest with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Advent Calendar: Roman Gate 13

Gates, lift high your heads,

raise high the ancient gateways,

and the king of glory shall enter.

Psalm 24: 7 (New Jerusalem Bible)

Gate in Ostia Antica

Ostia was the harbor of Ancient Rome. This gate is the entrance to Domus del Protiro, a Roman home built in the middle of the 3rd Century AD. It was a large house, with 32 rooms on the ground floor. Rooms for servants were on an upper floor.

Among the artifacts found in this house were fragments of a green glass cup made in the 4th century. This drawing shows the Christian design on the cup: Christ with a palm tree and a basket of bread. The palm tree is a symbol of paradise and the basket is a reference to the Eucharist.

Anglican Collect for the 3rd Sunday of Advent

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come
among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins,
let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver
us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and
the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer

Advent Calendar: Roman Gate 12

Gates, lift high your heads,

raise high the ancient gateways,

and the king of glory shall enter.

Psalm 24: 7 (New Jerusalem Bible)

Gate to Fountain Courtyard of Palazzo Barbarini

The sculpted bees on the left and right of this gate identify it as part of the Palazzo Barbarini, built in the 17th century.

Advent Prayer
You are our eternal salvation,
The unfailing light of the world.
Light everlasting,
You are truly our redemption.
Grieving that the human race was perishing
through the tempter's power,
without leaving the heights
You came to the depths in your loving kindness.
Readily taking our humanity by Your gracious will,
You saved all earthly creatures, long since lost,
Restoring joy to the world.
Redeem our souls and bodies, O Christ,
and so possess us as Your shining dwellings.
By Your first coming, make us righteous;
At your second coming, set us free:
So that, when the world is filled with light
and you judge all things,
We may be clad in spotless robes
and follow in Your steps, O King,
Into the heavenly hall.

Unknown Author, 10th Century

Advent Calendar: Roman Gate 11

Gates, lift high your heads,

raise high the ancient gateways,

and the king of glory shall enter.

Psalm 24: 7 (New Jerusalem Bible)

Gate to the Basilica San Marco

The Basilica San Marco was built in 336 by Pope Mark and rebuilt in 833 by Pope Gregory IV. It is located in the small Piazza di San Marco (adjoining Piazza Venezia) in the center of Rome. The current facade was built in 1466 with marbles taken from the Colosseum and the Theatre of Marcellus, and is attributed to Leone Battista Alberti.

Advent Prayer

Lamb of God,
You once came to rid the world of sin;
cleanse me now from every stain of sin.
Lord, you came to save what was lost;
come once again with Your salvific power
so that those You redeemed will not be punished.
I have come to know You in faith;
may I have unending joy
when You come again in glory.

New Saint Joseph People's Prayer Book

Advent Calendar: Roman Gate 10

Gates, lift high your heads,

raise high the ancient gateways,

and the king of glory shall enter.

Psalm 24: 7 (New Jerusalem Bible)

Porta Portese

The Porta Portese was built in 1644 as part of the Janiculum Walls commissioned by Pope Urban VIII, replacing the Porta Portuensis. The Via Portuense starts from it, which originally connected the city to Portus. A popular flea market is held every Sunday in the area of Porta Portese.

Advent Prayer for Hope

Lord Jesus Christ,
who is, who was, and who is to come,
we pray for the virtue of hope,
that amidst the trials and difficulties
of this world,
we may keep our hearts fixed
upon you, who reigns over the cosmos.
May your grace enliven us,
strengthen us,
and defend us,
as we await your coming in glory. Amen

David Bennett

Advent Calendar: Roman Gate 9

Gates, lift high your heads,

raise high the ancient gateways,

and the king of glory shall enter.

Psalm 24: 7 (New Jerusalem Bible)

Gate to the Basilica Santo Stefano Rotondo

The Basilica of Santo Stefano Rotundo on the Celian Hill was built in the 5th century. Today it is part of the German College in Rome and is also the Hungarian National Church dedicated to Saint Stephen the Martyr and Saint Stephen of Hungary.

Advent Prayer

Father, in the wilderness of the Jordan
you sent a messenger to prepare people's hearts 
for the coming of your Son.
Help me to hear his words and repent of my sins,
so that I may clearly see the way to walk,
the truth to speak, and the life to live for Him,
our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

Advent Calendar: Roman Gate 8

Gates, lift high your heads,

raise high the ancient gateways,

and the king of glory shall enter.

Psalm 24: 7 (New Jerusalem Bible)

Garden Gate on the Salita di Sant' Onofrio

The little street of San Onofrio, actually a stairway, leads from the 15th century Church of Sant' Onofrio to the Tiber River, going down the side of the Janiculum Hill. The church is the Roman headquarters for the Franciscan Friars of Atonement, a religious community with social, ecumenical and pastoral ministries. The order began as an Anglican community in 1898 and converted to Roman Catholicism in 1909, a year after they initiated the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity which is still observed in many denominations around the world during January.

Introit: Advent Two

Father in heaven,
the day draws near when the glory of your Son
will make radiant the night of the waiting world.
May the lure of greed not impede us from the joy
which moves the hearts of those who seek him.
May the darkness not blind us
to the vision of wisdom
which fills the minds of those who find him.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

From the Companion Missal

Advent Calendar: Roman Gate 7

Gates, lift high your heads,

raise high the ancient gateways,

and the king of glory shall enter.

Psalm 24: 7 (New Jerusalem Bible)

Garden Gate on Via di Porta San Sebastiano

The Via Porta San Sebastiano is a quiet tree-shaded road, leading from the Baths of Caracalla to the "Appian Gate." The road itself was originally part of the Via Appia Antica and outside of the earliest Roman walls. In the 3rd century, the Aurelian Walls were built which incorporated this area into the city.

Porta San Sebastiano, also known as the Porta Appia

Collect for the 2nd Sunday of Advent

Stir up our hearts, O Lord,
to prepare the paths of thine Only-begotten Son:
that we may worthily serve thee
with hearts purified by His coming:
Who livest and reignest with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Advent Calendar: Roman Gate 4

Gates, lift high your heads,

raise high the ancient gateways,

and the king of glory shall enter.

Psalm 24: 7 (New Jerusalem Bible)

Entrance Gate to Bioparco

The Bioparco, Rome's zoo in the Villa Borghese, is one of the oldest zoos in Europe, founded in 1911

Advent Prayer for Hope in Christ's Coming

All-powerful God,
help us to look forward in hope
to the coming of our Savior.
May we live as he taught,
ready to welcome him with burning love and faith.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Liturgy of the Hours, Fridays in Advent

Advent Calendar: Roman Gate 3

Gates, lift high your heads,

raise high the ancient gateways,

and the king of glory shall enter.

Psalm 24: 7 (New Jerusalem Bible)

The Porta Sant' Anna, Saint Ann's Gate

This is the main working entrance to Vatican City, watched over by the Swiss Guards. Thinking of it as the "working entrance" I am reminded about a quip attributed to Pope John XXIII. When asked how many people worked in the Vatican, he is supposed to have said, "Oh, about half of them."

Advent Evening Hymn

Come, Sun and Savior, to embrace Our gloomy world,
its weary race,
As groom to bride, as bride to groom:
The wedding chamber, Mary's womb.

At your great Name, O Jesus, now
All knees must bend, all hearts must bow;
All things on earth with one accord,
Like those in heaven, shall call you Lord.

Come in your holy might, we pray,
Redeem us for eternal day;
Defend us while we dwell below,
From all assaults of our dread foe.

(8th Century)

Advent Calendar: Roman Gate 2

Gates, lift high your heads,

raise high the ancient gateways,

and the king of glory shall enter.

Psalm 24: 7 (New Jerusalem Bible)

Rear courtyard gate and fountain of the Palazzo delle Rovere. The palazzo was originally built in the 15th century. Since 1943, the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem has had their headquarters in one wing of the palazzo. (These Knights trace their origins to the First Crusade in the 11th century.) Since 1950, the Columbus Hotel has also occupied part of the palazzo.

Introit: Advent One
Father in heaven,
our hearts desire the warmth of your love
and our minds are searching for the light of your Word.
Increase our longing for Christ our Savior
and give us the strength to grow in love,
that the dawn of his coming
may find us rejoicing in his presence
and welcoming the light of his truth.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

From the Companion Missal