By Dominic Redcliffe

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Hello from Rome to you all at home.

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Recently, I had a couple of lovely evenings catching up with friends visiting Rome from our archdiocese. It’s always great fun to see familiar faces from home, just in a different setting. On both evenings we met up in Trastevere, a lively part of Rome that really comes alive after dark. Its cobbled streets, quirky shops, and bustling bars and restaurants make it a wonderful place to wander. 

To meet up with everyone, I made my way to the beautiful Piazza di Santa Maria, where people gather around the fountain in the centre. With one group, we ate right on the piazza itself. With the other, we headed down a side street to a busy trattoria recommended by Stanley Tucci (of the movie “Conclave”) - and I have to say, it was worth it!  But Trastevere isn’t just about a great evening out. The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere dominates the piazza. The basilica dates from the twelfth century, though it goes back as far as the third century, making it one of the oldest churches dedicated to Our Lady. We have just celebrated a Holy Year and back in the Jubilee year of 1300, mosaics were commissioned for the basilica to tell Mary’s story to pilgrims. One of these mosaics shows the Annunciation, which we celebrate on 25 March. Gabriel is depicted, striding toward Mary, robes flowing, eyes full of purpose as he delivers God’s message. What strikes me most isn’t just Gabriel’s determination - it’s Mary’s response.

Before she says her yes, she listens. She’s still, attentive, and open to God’s word. That moment of listening is where everything begins. When I saw the mosaic, I was reminded that in addition to us speaking to, God it’s important for us to listen to God. It’s in everyday moments of our lives, and also in prayer and reflection, that we can hear Him. Mary’s listening isn’t passive; it’s full of trust and attention. Only after she has listened to God’s message does her “yes” come - joyful, brave, and life-changing. Lent is an opportunity to try listening, perhaps by allowing more time for prayer than we might normally do. 

By visiting Santa Maria in Trastevere, I was inspired by Mary’s quiet courage. During this Lenten season, may her example encourage each of us to slow down, listen and then say “yes,” ready to follow wherever God leads. Santa Maria in Trastevere, pray for us.

Until next time…