Pan Hagioi – All Saints…

I didn’t make it to the Pantheon (“all the gods”) today. I was at the Lateran and then at home all day. But I thought I would share with you the account of the papal exorcism of the Pantheon, when it was being transformed from Rome’s epicenter of pagan worship into a church to bury and venerate the countless unnamed martyrs of the City.

Let me take you back in time… to the early 7th century…

“In 608 the Byzantine emperor Phoca gave [the temple] to Pope Boniface IV and there was organized an evocative ceremony to consecrate it to the Christian God.  On 13 May, 609 a huge crowd gathered near the Pantheon to witness the event. Chronicles recount chaos and chilling screams that were felt from within: the pagan demons were aware of what was about to happen. The doors were thrown open and the Pope, in front of the entrance, began to recite the formulas for the exorcism. The screams from the idols increased in intensity, and the commotion deafened the ears of the onlookers.  Fear gripped the crowd and no one was able to stand on their feet, looking and hearing that terrible spectacle. Only Boniface IV resisted and, undaunted, prayed and consecrated the Pantheon to Christ. It is said that the demons left the ancient temple chaotically and with a great din, fleeing from the open “eye” of the dome or from the main doors.  Once the ceremony was over, the Pope dedicated the building to the Madonna dei Martiri, in memory, perhaps, of the many Christians killed in honor of those filthy idols.”

Happy Feast of All Saints! All you saints, pray for us!