O Felix Roma: The Theology and Spirituality of Early Christianity

Program Description
Explore the history of the church of Rome from its foundation through its legalization under Constantine and the emergence of the papacy in the sixth century. Rome has  been a center of Christianity since shortly  after Jesus’ resurrection. The monuments and architecture of the city reveal some important factors about the early Church.

Through guided visits and lectures, participants will discover how the arrangement of the Roman basilica became reinterpreted as a key to the spiritual life, how the theology of martyrdom shaped the lives of early believers and how the Apostles Peter and Paul became pivotal in shaping the emerging governance of the early Church.

The week will focus on the tapestry of theology, history and spirituality in the first centuries of the Church of Rome. Each day of the program will feature the celebration of the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours.

Daily Schedule
Welcome to the Eternal City. Participants will be welcomed in the afternoon with an introductory presentation and orientation, followed by an opening dinner at the Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas.

To the Beloved of Rome: the Apostle to the Gentiles
The first day will be dedicated to learning more about the impact and significance of the Apostle Paul in the early Church. The day will commence with guided visits to the places of his martyrdom and burial: the Abbey of Tre Fontane and the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. The afternoon will feature a lecture back at the Lay Centre on the impact of Paul’s theology and spirituality on the nascent Church of Rome.

Temples of the Living God: House Churches
The morning will begin with the weekly Papal Audience to hear Pope Benedict XVI and pray with pilgrims from around the world. If the Holy Father is not in Rome, an alternative program will be offered. After a period of free time for people have lunch near the Vatican and perhaps do some shopping on the famous Borgo Pio, the afternoon will feature guided visits to the house churches of St. Praxedes and St. Clement so as to enter into the life and world of the early Christian communities of Rome.

O Love Sublime: Martyrdom and Virginity
The day will feature a guided visit to a place important to understanding the importance of martyrdom and the emphasis placed on virginity in the early Church: the Basilica of St. Agnes Outside the Walls. The group will reconvene at the Lay Centre in the afternoon for a reflection and discussion on “The Church of Persecution and Martyrdom.”

Day of Reflection: Subiaco or Ostia
This day will afford the group a chance to enjoy a day outside of Rome for prayer and reflection. An experienced spiritual director will lead the group in guided reflections on the appreciating the gift and witness of the early Church for shaping a vibrant contemporary spirituality and there will be opportunities for personal and liturgical prayer. Lunch is included.

The Bread of Life: the Eucharist
The final day will begin with an early morning celebration of the Eucharist at St. Peter’s followed by a guided visit. The group will gather in the afternoon at the Lay Centre for a lecture on the Eucharist in the early Church. The week will draw to a fitting close with a dinner at the Lay Centre.

Arrivederci Roma!
Departure from Rome.

Organizing this Program for your Group
To schedule this program for your group or organization you must have a minimum of 15 participants.  Please contact Robert White at info@laycentre.org to help you organize this study program.

The cost of this program is $775.00 per person. The cost includes all lectures, guided site visits, private coach transportation to and from site visits, and three meals during the course of the week.

Airfare to and from Rome, lodging, all other meals and all other expenses are not included. Program participants are responsible for making travel and lodging arrangements.  

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