A few weeks back, our Vocation Director Father Rob Panke visited us here at the College. Since his visit was during the Station churches, there was a Mass at San Marco’s where each ministry was filled by a man from Washinton. The lectors were Charlie Cortinovis and Mike Copenhagen. The cantors were Vinny de Rosa, Patrick Riffle and me. The acolyte was Joe Rogers. The deacon was Deacon Avelino Gonzales. The main celebrant was Father Adam Park with concelebrates Father Rob Panke and Father Brian Sanderfoot. Afterwards, a quick picture was taken before most of us had to run off to class. So I present the Men of Washington.
In the picture you can see the bottom of the apse. The mosaic dates from the 9th century, and was ordered by Pope St Gregory IV (827-844). The mosaics in this church are the last major ones made in Rome for nearly 300 years. Christ is standing in the middle, flanked by the St Felicissimus, St Mark the Evangelist, Pope Gregory IV on the left and Sts Pope Marcus, Pope Agapitus and Agnes on the right. St Mark has his hand on Pope Gregory’s shoulder, meaning that he is introducing him to Christ. I feel as though this is proper for today since we heard the Passion of our Lord according to San Marco proclaimed at Mass today for Passion/Palm Sunday.