On the occasion of Pentecost – fifty days after Easter – and to celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Virgin Mary and the Apostles in the Christian religion, once again this year, on May 19th, the evocative rain of rose petals returns to the Pantheon – Basilica of Santa Maria ad Martyres.
As usual, immediately after the Capitular Mass at 10:30 AM – presided over by Canon Archpriest Rector, Mons. Daniele Micheletti, and accompanied by the Basilica Choir and the Romerike Vocal Ensemble from Eidsvol, Norway – around 12:00 PM, the Fire Brigade will release thousands of red rose petals from the Oculus, the circular opening with a diameter of 9 meters located at the top of the Pantheon’s dome.
The petals, which color the entire pavement of the Basilica in intense red, create a unique and emotionally charged spectacle due to their symbolic beauty.
This ritual, with its approximately two thousand years of tradition, originates from the celebrations of the early Christians in Rome, who considered roses to symbolize the Holy Spirit. It also symbolizes the blood shed by Christ for the redemption of humanity.
The poetic rain of petals from the Oculus, the “eye of the sky,” of this splendid monument, has regained its significance since its restoration in 1995. It remains a captivating and spiritually meaningful event for both Romans and pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.
Due to the large participation in the celebration, which concludes with the falling of red rose petals from the dome’s Oculus, worshippers should arrive at the Basilica by 9:00 AM. Entry will be allowed until the maximum capacity is reached.
