It is a traditional practice for the Pope to pray Mass at a designated Church in Rome each day during Lent. The designated Church is called the “Station” Church. These Station Churches are still indicated in the traditional Roman Missal. Today the Missal indicates that the station is the Church of St. Cyriacus, Deacon and Martyr. But this Church was destroyed in 1491.
When the relics of St. Cyriacus were transferred to the Church of Sancta Maria in Via Lata, this Church became the new station. This phrase, Sancta Maria in Via Lata, is in the stained glass window over the rectory door facing the main street. This is because Sancta Maria in Via Lata translated is “Saint Mary on the Broad Way” or “Saint Mary on Broadway”!
So, St. Mary’s in Providence has a sister Church in Rome and today is her station day!
