Music, videos, and penance for Lent
I turned 50 a few days ago. As is my tradition, I visited one church for each year. Somewhat easy to do in Rome, although it was a 13 mile walk over eight hours. I saved the story highlight on Instagram if you want to see all the churches. Click here.
With Lent beginning tomorrow, here are a few things that can help you through the 40 days…
Music for Lent
My dad has an album called The Holy Land Project. Thirty-three songs he wrote after a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The Lenten songs are some of the best.
His music is now available to stream on Apple Music and Spotify. You can also order a physical CD here to support his work.
Here’s a sample of 40 Days:
Speaking of the Holy Land, I’m taking a group next month. You should join me.
Lenten Station Churches of Rome
If you’ve been here a while, you know I have a devotion to the Lenten Station Churches of Rome. A tradition of visiting a different church each day of Lent that goes back to the fourth century.
Below are this week’s churches and some highlights. Click through to read the full article and watch a video of each church featuring my kids — fyi, most of the videos were shot during the lockdowns.
Ash Wednesday – Santa Sabina
The church where the Pope always celebrates Ash Wednesday, where Saint Dominic founded the Dominicans, and where the devil threw a rock.
Read and watch about Santa Sabina here.
Thursday – San Giorgio in Velabro
Where Romulus and Remus washed ashore, the spot of Saint Sebastian’s first martyrdom, and the skull of a dragon slayer.
Read and watch about San Giorgio al Velabro here.
Friday – Santi Giovanni e Paolo
New York’s original titular church, built over the home of two martyrs, and one of Rome’s most popular churches for weddings.
Read and watch about Santi Giovanni e Paolo here.
Saturday – Sant’Agostino
A Caravaggio, a Raphael, a Bernini, a famous mother, and Our Lady of Childbirth.
Read and watch about Sant'Agostino here.
Grayscale for Lent
Still need a little something for some extra Lenten penance? I’ve been turning my phone to grayscale (black and white) for years. Now tons of people are doing it and suffering along with me. Here’s some info on how to do it.
And here’s a funny moment from a flight a few years ago…
Thanks for reading!
— Mountain
Oh, 50! ... a youngster!! Haha!! Belated Happy Birthday!! ... love the idea of a church for each year. Be well. Be Blessed.
We are new to your newsletter - I believe we learned of you and your company thru the radio channel on Sirius (Lino’s show). We are enjoying your articles, and it is helping us in our plans for Rome this late spring. The note about churches visited is helpful. We are just learning to navigate the feed, and will continue to learn of resources available to us. Thank you.