The Mamertine Prison is the oldest prison in Rome, built by King Ancus Martius in the 7th century BC
The entrance to the prison is toward the Capitoline Hill, and the Forum was reached through stairs, by which the condemned to death were dragged to the Forum, as a “teaching” for the other Roman citizens.
For Christians it is an important place because within it, the last days passed before their martyrdom the Apostles Peter and Paul.
From the Gospel of Matthew (Mt 26:36-46)
36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsem′ane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go yonder and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zeb′edee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch[f] with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch[g] with me one hour? 41 Watch[h] and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, thy will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”
In times of difficulty, when the road gets harder, do we feel lonely, abandoned?
Turning behind you, you can see part of the Roman Forum, a place that at the time was frequented by a multitude of individuals, it was easy to feel alone, even among many people.
Think about when you happen to feel alone, summarize in one or two words your feelings in those moments, write them down on a note and deliver them to another Pilgrim of Hope.
In the light of what has been read, lived, reflected, shared… insert here the words that summarize as much as the experience.
A journey that knows how to make a pilgrimage to the Jubilee of Young people, from 28 July to 3 August 2025, with a rich program and an experience proposed by the Branca R/S for all young people and their communities of reference: Tracce di Speranza (Traces of Hope).
traccedisperanza.agesci.it available to all, born in the Jubilee Year!
