Of flower petals, firefighters, dedication, and holes in the roof

May 13, 2013 at 7:51 am

Today is the anniversary of the Dedication of the Roman church Santa Maria “ad Martyres“, which took place in 609. This church is also called the Pantheon.

Since on upcoming Pentecost, Roman firefighters will be dropping red rose petals through the oculus of the mighty building, I figured we could review what I have posted in the past.

In Rome on Pentecost, in the Pantheon, now a minor basilica called S. Maria ad martyres there is a beautiful custom.

Rose petals are dropped through the circular oculus opening at the top of the dome, which is the widest is all of Rome, for all its antiquity. The petals fall to the crowds below, reminiscent of the coming of the Holy Spirit like tongues of flame.

I posted photos taken over two different years here. Some show the event from the inside of the Pantheon, and some show the mechanics from the outside. My windon of my room in Rome was perfectly situated to see the dome of the Pantheon.

Here is how they get it done! Notice the fire truck parked in front of the Pantheon.