Station Masses

St. Ambrose Barlow Deanery 

One of the key features of Lent is asking the forgiveness of God for our sins. An ancient liturgical form of this is the penitential procession, when groups of the faithful gather together seeking that forgiveness. This tradition is continued to some degree in the diocese, as each Deanery comes together at a local church in order to seek the mercy of God. The Roman Stations are an ancient custom, and there are Station Masses in Rome each day during Lent.  Each of the days of Lent has its own special Collect and “Station”.  On Station days the clergy and people of Rome would “collect” together at an appointed church.  After prayers (including the Collect), they would go in solemn procession to a nearby “standing still” church, the statio, where the Pope or his deputy would say Mass. This tradition continues in Rome, although all the celebration of the liturgy takes place at the Station church preceded by the penitential procession.   The names of the Station churches were printed in the Roman Missal and very often the prayers and texts for the daily Mass pertained to the patron saint of the Roman Station church, or to some historical event associated with the place. The custom of Stations is kept all over the world.  The faithful can gain special indulgences by visiting these churches designated by the bishops near to where they live.  In fact, in Rome the Ordo, a little book containing practical information for the whole liturgy each day published every year, still mentions the practice of the Stations and recommends their observance. The Missal, likewise, gives instructions as to the form and meaning of this pious practice.  It is strongly recommended that this Roman custom be maintained.