Santa Susanna

Today, we were able to worship at the American parish in Rome: following the U.S. ordo (so today was Epiphany again!) and using familiar prayers and language.

Santa Susanna is one of the oldest churches in Rome; people have been worshipping on this site for 1700 years, since the martyrdom of Susanna herself. The current church is built over the ruins of the original church (which was itself restored more than once).

After Mass, we were give a tour by Fr. Greg Apparcel, rector of the church.

After studying the story of St. Susanna in the paintings, we were allowed to descend below the altar into the ancient church, and see the site where the first prayer and worship occurred on this site.

(Sr Edith)