Credo and the Martyrs: A Path Marked by Faith and Renewal

“The most convincing testimony to this hope is provided by the martyrs. Steadfast in their faith in the risen Christ, they renounced life itself here below, rather than betray their Lord.” – Pope Francis: “Spes Non Confundit” para. 20.

Since arriving here as a priest at Saint Patrick Parish two years ago, we have embarked upon four month-long preaching series. In Advent 2023, we preached on the Eucharist utilizing Bishop Robert Barron’s book, “This is My Body.” In Lent 2024, we preached on accompaniment, a key theme of Pope Francis’ approach to pastoral ministry. In October 2024, we preached on the Sacrament of Baptism, encouraging all to live into the new life received in the Sacrament.

This weekend we conclude our preaching series “Credo” on the Nicene Creed. It is our hope that this month we have all come to a deeper knowledge and appreciation of this ancient and revitalizing statement of our Catholic Christian faith. As exciting as it is to collaborate among clergy and parish staff in effectively communicating a preaching series, I am also very grateful for how I personally have come to learn new things about the faith in the midst of these series.

One neat thing that I learned about this solemnity we celebrate this weekend of Saints Peter and Paul is the beautiful way that it has traditionally been observed in Italy. The story goes that on June 29^th 1625, the head florist of the Vatican, Benedetto Drei, decorated the floor of Saint Peter’s basilica with beautiful mosaic flower carpets. The Italian phrase for this carpet is “Via Infiorata” or “The Way of Flowering.” The tradition lived in Rome only for a short number of years but word spread throughout Italy and several communities picked up on the trend. Since 2011, the practice has been restored in certain areas around Rome including in nearby Genzano. These massive carpets cover entire streets where there are concerts and other events that take place nearby concluding with a tradition called “Spallamento dell'Infiorata,” where children race along the flower-laden street, kicking up petals as they go. It is a tradition that is seen as a sign of renewal.

Every time that we utter the 224 words of the Creed, it can be a moment of renewal for us. Imagine ourselves all running like children of God the Father, set free by the saving grace of Baptism, running to the Heart of Christ in the Eucharist, turning around and running into the world to proclaim the saving message of the Gospel.

Saint Peter and Saint Paul both had their own moments of brokenness, denial, and sin. They were also rescued by Christ and confessed faith all the way to the moment they were each martyred in Rome. May their witness and the statement of their martyrdom guide each one of us and guide the Church on the “Via del Paradiso,” the way to heaven.

Gracias a Dios.