Pope visits catacombs of Priscilla to pray for dead on Feast of All Souls
The Catacombs of Priscilla in Rome is one of the oldest Paleo-Christian cemeteries in the ancient city. These specific catacombs were originally a sand quarry located along the Via Salaria belonging to the Acilius Glabrio family. A member of this noble family, Priscilla, allowed the early Church to use the property as a cemetery. Pope Francise will celebrate a Mass at 4:00 p.m. in commemoration of all those who have died.
Just like each year, Pope Francis is making a special trip to a cemetery on Nov. 2 to pray for the dead on the feast of All Souls, according to romereports.com.
He will go to the Catacombs of Priscilla in Rome, one of the oldest Paleo-Christian cemeteries in Rome. He will celebrate a Mass at 4:00 p.m. in commemoration of all those who have died.
These catacombs contain frescoes of great importance, which give testimony to the first Christians. It holds the oldest representation of Virgin Mary, a fresco from the third century.
As he said, “Let’s go home today with this double memory: the memory of the past, of those of us who are gone. And the memory of the future, the path in which we’re going.”
In previous years, Pope Francis visited a cemetery for the unborn, the American cemetery of Nettuno, dedicated to soldiers and nurses who died in World War II, as well as other cemeteries in Rome, Verano and Prima Porta.
During the day, the pope will visit the tombs of past popes. On Nov. 4 he will hold a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica for all the bishops and cardinals who died throughout the year.
