THE CATACOMBS OF ROME 37

 

series of explorations until their mysteries
were laid bare. Successive rulers have
sought to restore them to their original
state, but despite the researches of eminent
men, much must be imagined.

The decorations on the walls of the
tombs are mostly taken from the Bible,
though mythology furnishes some subjects.
Among them are the Good Shepherd, The
Fisherman, suggestions of the miracles;
Lazarus, the Crucifixion from the New
Testament and Jonah, David, Daniel and
other characters from the old. Here have
rested the bodies of many noted for good
works. Tradition says that the bodies of
the Apostles Peter and Paul, were en-
tombed here for a year and seven months.
Numerous saints were entombed here, but
among them all perhaps greater interest
centers around none more than around the
Tomb of St. Cecelia.

and history are somewhat confused as to

Tradition, legend

the events of her life, but enough is known
to merit the respect and reverence of all
who honor a truly noble woman. Legend
says that she sang praises to God with
countless

musical accompaniment and

musical societies are named after her.
Artists have placed upon canvas scenes
from her life, Poets have written of her
gentle, useful life, History has engraved

her name in enduring character upon its

 

pages and the Church of Rome cherishes
her memory as one of its richest heritages.

Born of a noble Roman family, she was
in the early part of the third century, con-
verted to Christianity. Her parents com-
pelled her to marry a pagan, named Valer-
ian, whom she converted to Christianity.
Later she and all her converts were mart-
yred, later a church was built upon the
Her burial

place was forgotten, for a time, but in the

spot occupied by her home.

ninth century, Pope Paschal I, we are told,
was visited by her in a vision and her rest-
ing place in the Catacombs made known.
Following her directions, he found not only
her remains, but those of her husband and
All these he

placed with great ceremony in the church

nine hundred other martyrs.

named for her and which he had rebuilt.
This church was again rebuilt in the
fifteenth century, and her remains placed
in a silver receptacle and deposited under
the altar.

To the lovers of the old the habits and
customs which prevailed in the treatment
of the dead, and to the lovers of old ceme-
teries no spot in Rome is more interesting
than the Catacombs. Yet our own burial
places, with shrubs and flowers and shaded
walks, are far more pleasant than those of
foreign lands, which many people travel

thousands of miles to visit.