SAN LORENZO IN PISCIBUS
In the heart of Rome, a church for the youth of the world !
San Lorenzo in Piscibus: Eight Centuries of History in the Service of Faith...
San Lorenzo in Piscibus Church is one of the oldest in Rome. It first appears in historical records in the 12th century, but certain architectural clues suggest it may have even older foundations, possibly dating back to the early Christian era.
Its unique name, “in Piscibus,” refers to the fish market district that once existed in this area near the Tiber River. At that time, this part of Rome, west of the Tiber, was a busy passageway for merchants and pilgrims heading to St. Peter’s Basilica. Built in a typical Romanesque style, the church stands out for its simplicity: brick walls, plain apses, and massive columns.
It is dedicated to Saint Lawrence, a Roman deacon from the 3rd century, martyred for distributing the Church’s wealth to the poor. Over the centuries, San Lorenzo in Piscibus went through many phases. It was altered several times, notably in the 17th century, when it adopted some Baroque elements, as was common in Roman churches. It then became a local parish for the neighborhood residents.
In the 19th century, the church experienced more uncertain times. It was deconsecrated for a period and later used as a military warehouse during the unification of Italy. This marked a decline in its religious activity, although it remained standing, spared from major destruction.
It was in the 20th century, before 1980, that interest in its historical and architectural value was renewed. The Italian state, followed by the Vatican, began restoration efforts aimed at restoring its original Romanesque appearance by removing Baroque additions.
Just before the 1980s, San Lorenzo in Piscibus was an ancient and quiet place, full of history—awaiting a new mission... which would come shortly afterward with the arrival of the Centro San Lorenzo and the World Youth Day Cross.
San Lorenzo in Piscibus Church has never been a major basilica nor a regular site of papal pilgrimage like St. Peter’s, St. Mary Major, or St. John Lateran. It was rather a small parish church, sometimes marginalized throughout history, especially during the major urban developments in Rome in the 19th and 20th centuries. However, due to its immediate proximity to the Vatican, it is very likely that several popes were at least familiar with it by name or sight—particularly those residing in the Apostolic Palace. Nevertheless, there is no formal evidence to confirm that any pope celebrated Mass there or made an official visit prior to John Paul II ...
Getting to Know Saint Lawrence
Saint Lawrence was a deacon of the Church of Rome in the 3rd century, during the pontificate of Pope Sixtus II. Known for his courageous faith and deep love for the poor, he was responsible for managing the Church's goods and distributing alms.
During the persecution of Emperor Valerian in 258 AD, Pope Sixtus II was arrested and executed. A few days later, Lawrence was also captured. When Roman officials demanded that he hand over the Church’s treasures, he famously presented the poor and said, “These are the true treasures of the Church.”
He was condemned to death and martyred by being burned alive on a gridiron. According to tradition, he even kept his sense of humor during the torture, saying to his executioners, “Turn me over, I’m done on this side.”
His witness of faith, charity, and courage left a deep mark on the Church’s history. Saint Lawrence is one of the most venerated martyrs in Rome today, and several churches are dedicated to him — including San Lorenzo in Piscibus
getting to know "the youth day icon ? "
on wyd 2000 in rome pope saint john paul ii entrusted the icon "salus populii romani" to young people around the world.
from now on, together with the cross , it will accompagny the world youth days, it will be a sign of "mary's motherly presence" beside the young people, who are called like the apostle john, to welcome her into their lives.
much more than an image, an icon is always a window. it takes us to what is being represented within it. an icon is, then a presence. it is a madonna odigitria, i.e she who shows the way which is the son. the faces are fascinately beautiful : their eyes stare at us in a loving and penetrating way.
in her left hand mary holds a handkerchief, ready to wipe away the tears of the weeping person who turns to her for help. the greek letters in the background are abbreviations of mèter theou, "mother of god" ...
Visible on the left side of our church, this icon reminds us that the Mother of God is also our mother. We can count on her to dry our tears and to teach us the way to the Lord
Getting to Know the Cross of san damiano
The Cross of San Damiano is a 12th-century Byzantine-style icon, world-renowned for the role it played in the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. It holds a central place in Franciscan history and in contemporary Christian spirituality.
Originally, this icon hung in the small, ruined chapel of San Damiano near Assisi, Italy. One day, while Francis was praying before it, he heard the voice of Christ speaking directly to him: “Francis, go and rebuild my house, which, as you see, is falling into ruin.” At first, Francis took this call literally and began repairing the chapel. But he soon realized that God was calling him to something far deeper: to help renew the whole Church through a life of poverty, fraternity, and living the Gospel.
The San Damiano Cross is an icon—not just a crucifix, but a theological image. Christ is shown not in agony, but glorified and risen, with open eyes, standing in triumph on the cross. Surrounding Him are key biblical figures: Mary, John, Mary Magdalene, the centurion, and others. Every detail invites contemplation of the Paschal Mystery.
This cross remains a sign of calling—a reminder that God still speaks to hearts that listen in silence. It is also a sign of hope, showing that suffering, when united to Christ, can be transformed into new life. In the Franciscan tradition, it is a symbol of mission: to go forth, like Francis, to rebuild the Church through lives of holiness, love for the poor, and peace.
We are blessed to have a copy of the San Damiano Cross in our center. This particular copy holds special significance, as it was blessed by Saint John Paul II—a powerful reminder of the communion of saints and the mission we continue to live today.
