In Rome, the Holy Staircase, which is stained with the blood of Christ of the crucifixion, for the first time in 300 years and unveiled for the public at large. Just in time for Easter.
The 28 steps of the Scala Sancta (the Holy Staircase, ed.) of Rome, according to tradition, part of the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem, where Jesus was tried before him until the crucifixion, it was condemned. According to medieval legends would be the stairs around 326 by Saint Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, from Jerusalem to Rome.
The trap was last Thursday open for pilgrims and is to climb up to Pentecost, on June 9. Since 1723 the stairs in wood encapsulated for protection against further wear and tear. Pope Innocent XIII decided that the marble staircase is no longer resist the wear and tear of the millions of pilgrims. That wood was now removed for restoration.
On hands and knees
The bishop of Rome, Angelo De Donatis, blessed the staircase before the catholics on their hands and knees, under the recitation of a prayer on each step, the marble stairs. There are three crosses along the stairs. It is believed that the places where Jesus fell, and where, behind a glass window, drops of blood from him. Pilgrims, protection around their shoes to get the marble to keep it, kissing that cross while they go up.
