The Roman Station Church of Santi Apostoli, dedicated to the 12 Holy Apostles. Let’s delve into the rich history and artistry of Santi Apostoli.
Historical Insights into Santi Apostoli
The Church of the Twelve Holy Apostles, commonly known as Santi Apostoli, stands as a 6th Century Roman Catholic parish, titular church, and minor Basilica. We regularly visit this sacred site every Ember Friday of the year and on the fourth Sunday of Advent. Originally dedicated to Saints James and Philip, the church later received the dedication to all the apostles. Under the care of the Conventual Franciscans, the Basilica holds the remains of Saints James and Philip in its Crypt.
Restoration and Facade: A Tale of Resilience
Santi Apostoli faced challenges throughout history, including ruin from an earthquake in 1348. However, in 1417, Pope Martin V, of the Colonna family, undertook the restoration of the church. The adjacent Palazzo Colonna was restored, and the facade, designed by Baccio Pontelli, was completed by the end of the same century. Today, as we explore Santi Apostoli, we focus on an aspect we have yet to uncover – the frescoes by Melozzo da Forlì.
Melozzo da Forlì’s Masterpiece: A Lost Treasure
Melozzo da Forlì’s frescoes at Santi Apostoli were renowned for innovative foreshortening techniques and considered his masterpiece. Unfortunately, these works no longer adorn the church. The fresco of Christ by Melozzo da Forlì was taken down in 1711 during Clement IX’s enlargement of the choir. Some portions influenced Raphael and are now scattered, with Christ’s figure residing in the Quirinale Palace. The Vatican Museums have an exhibition showcasing what this lost masterpiece would have looked like.
The Feast of the Ascension: A Future Reality
While contemplating these lost frescoes, let’s turn our attention to a future reality beyond the Lenten meditations. The Ascension of Christ, depicted by Melozzo da Forlì, reveals a scene of Christ ascending into heaven surrounded by the Holy Apostles. The innovative technique of foreshortening makes it appear as if Christ is breaking through the ceiling, an awe-inspiring portrayal of this significant event.
Theological Beauty of the Ascension: Insights from Church Fathers
The Feast of the Ascension holds profound theological beauty, as articulated by Church Fathers. In “Angels in Their Mission,” a work that emphasizes that the Ascension is not merely the elevation of Christ but the exaltation of human nature united with the Word of God. From the Church Fathers we hear:
St. Irenaeus describes the scene for me the most beautifully as he expounds upon Psalm 24:7-10: "David says somewhere that he was to be lifted up into heaven: 'Princes, raise up your gates. Rise up, gates of eternity, and the King of Glory shall pass through.' The gates of eternity are heaven. Seeing him approach, the lower angels cried out to those who were above them: 'Open your gates. Rise up, ye gates of eternity. The King of Glory will enter.' And when the angels from above asked in their astonishment, 'Who is he?' those who saw him cried out and knew: 'It is the Lord, strong and mighty. It is the King of Glory.'"
And St. Athanasius highlights as well the dialogue between the choirs of angels during the Ascension of Our Lord: "He said the angels of the Lord who followed him upon earth, seeing him arise, announced his coming to the virtues of heaven so that they might open their gates. The powers were filled with amazement at seeing him in the flesh. That is why they cried, 'Who is this?' Astounded by this mysterious order of salvation, and the angels rising with Christ answered them: 'The Lord of Powers. He is the King of Glory,' who teaches the great mystery to those who are in heaven that the King of Glory has won the victory over the spiritual enemy."
Dialogues Among the Choirs: The Angels’ Perspective
As well, in the video below, words of Saint Athanasius beautifully describes the dialogue among angelic choirs during the Ascension. The angels on Earth announce Christ’s ascension to the angels in heaven, leading to a mesmerizing exchange. The Angels from above ask, “Who is he?” and the angels rising with Christ respond, “The Lord of powers, the king of glory.” This cosmic event, celebrated on the Feast of the Ascension, brings a complete reversal of the regular order, a triumph over the spiritual enemy.
Victory Over the Spiritual Enemy: Artistic Depictions at Santi Apostoli
While we can no longer gaze at Melozzo da Forlì’s frescoes, the sanctuary at Santi Apostoli now displays scenes depicting the victory over the spiritual enemy. Witness the fall of Lucifer and the defeated Fallen Angels by Saint Michael the Archangel. Through the Passion of Jesus Christ, this artwork symbolizes the truth of the Incarnation – Christ taking upon our human frailty and redeeming us from sin, an object to be contemplated in these days of the Great Fast of Lent.
Contemplation with the Angels: A Humble Response
As we spend moments contemplating the Ascension, let’s join the angels, cherubim, and seraphim in marveling at the mystery of the Incarnation and Ascension of Christ into heaven. Our human pride is humbled in the face of this divine mystery. Only through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ can we be lifted to the very Throne of God.
Conclusion: Embracing the Mystery of Christ’s Ascension
Thank you for joining us in exploring the rich history, artistry, and theological depth of Santi Apostoli, the Church of the Twelve Holy Apostles. May this journey deepen our understanding of the Ascension and inspire humility in the face of Christ’s redemptive work. Stay tuned for more enriching explorations, and see you in the next Crux Stationalis adventure!
Enjoy a video tour of the Basilica of Santi Apostoli with my YouTube video:
