On June 30, the Church celebrates the First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church. As Fr.Nathan explains:

“Few churches in Rome will leave as profound an impression upon you as the Basilica of San Stefano Rotondo near the Cathedral of St. John Lateran. Dedicated to St. Stephen the Protomartyr, this church commemorates the martyrs of Rome up until the 4th century AD. Being circular in design, the frescos on the inside walls of the church invite you to begin your journey through the history of Roman martyrdom, by first looking at an image of the Crucified Lord, with the Holy Innocents (the children killed by King Herod at the time of Christ’s birth) lying at the foot of the Cross.”

image – Jean-Léon_Gérôme – 1883

Read the entire talk at Swords of Truth.