Basilica di Santa Prassede

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae, so that you may welcome her in the Lord as is fitting for the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well. - Romans 16:1-2

One of my favorite churches in Rome is the Basilica di S. Prassede, tucked off a side street less than a block away from one of my other favorite churches, Santa Maria Maggiore. I remember S. Prassede from my first visit to Rome, as it was one of the first churches we visited on our trip and I felt so disoriented and confused in the hot, crowded, noisy streets. This church practically hides from everything, and walking inside the cool, incense-scented church is like stepping outside of time.

Although it's much smaller than many other churches, the artistic beauty of the church is still rather impressive. Especially impressive is the mosaic work throughout the church. Dating from 822, they were thanks to the efforts of Pope Paschal, who spent much of his time building churches and transferring the bones of martyrs from the catacombs outside the city into churches within the city wall where they could be properly protected and revered.

Two of the martyrs now resting within this church are Saints Prassede and Pudenziana, who are daughters of St. Pudens; he is credited with being Paul's first Roman convert. According to tradition, the church is built over their house. The sisters were martyred for providing proper Christian burial and their continued baptism of pagans. There's some debate about their actual existence; however, their relics and memory are now housed within this church as a memorial to the service that many people, women included, provided selflessly to continue the faith.

What most people come to this church to see is the St. Zeno chapel in the church. First of all, it's completely covered in gorgeous gold mosaic and beautiful in its own right. However, some come more for the conspiracy of the chapel - portrayed on one wall, there are four women standing next to each other. The second and fourth women (from left-right) are the sisters Prassede and Pudenziana. Between them stands the Virgin Mary. Most interesting is the woman to the far left. First, note her square halo - this represents that she is a 'living saint'. (In the apse of the church, Pope Paschal is represented the same way.) To her left and top are the words "Theodora Episcopa": Bishop Theodora.

Since this church was built in the 9th century, many women argue that this represents a respected bishop of the time who was female, contrary to current church doctrine against ordaining women. Others mention that there is record of the wives of bishops and deacons being referred to with the feminine bishop moniker, much like a first lady. However, her extremely honorific position in this mosaic calls that cursory mention into question.

Admittedly, I spend a lot of time with the women of leadership in religious history to try and gain credibility for myself as a future leader of the church. Whether Saint Prassede, Bishop Theodora, or Paul's deacon Phoebe, I feel like I need to justify my call with women called to great service in the church's past. However, it is my hope that I ministry can be its own justification. Unfortunately, for others, this is a huge point of contention - after all, there are many women who are called to ministry whose denomination does not allow them to serve in ordained ministry. Regardless of the outcome of this debate, I hope and pray that God's mission will continue to be carried out in this world.

Merciful God, our church divisions and internal debates often leave us making decisions for ourselves in your name, regardless of your will. Search our hearts, guide us, and teach us always to hear your call and follow you honestly. Alongside your servants Prassede, Theodora and Phoebe, may we all find a way to serve you and our neighbor with all we have. We pray this in your holy name, Amen.