Church of Santo Spirito in Sassia (Holy Spirit)
12 Via dei Penitenzieri Roma
Attached to the current day Hospital of Santo Spirito, the name “Sassia” originates from the "Schola Saxonum", a hospice and chapel founded in the 8th century by King Ine of Wessex. Over time, this site evolved into the Church of Santo Spirito in Sassia, becoming a key center for both spiritual and physical healing and to serve German pilgrims visiting the Vatican, the hospital and Church acted as a center of rest and refuge.
Upon entering the church, look to the altar at the left side of the nave. Here you will find a copy of the famous Image of Divine Mercy, inspired by the visions of Saint Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun who received revelations from Jesus in the 1930s. A statue of her can be seen next to the image. In these revelations, Jesus asked her to share the message of His infinite mercy, represented in the image of Christ with rays of red and pale light streaming from His heart. Below the image are the words: “Jesus, I trust in You”, a prayer that invites everyone to place their trust in God’s love and forgiveness.
This church is not only a place of veneration but also a center of active devotion. Confessions are frequently available throughout the day, offering pilgrims a chance to experience God’s mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Every day at 3:00 PM, the Hour of Mercy, the Divine Mercy Chaplet is recited, drawing locals and visitors together in prayer to honor the moment of Christ’s death on the Cross and the outpouring of his mercy.
Santo Spirito in Sassia is especially vibrant during Divine Mercy Sunday, the first Sunday after Easter, when pilgrims from around the world gather to celebrate this feast established by Saint John Paul II, who was deeply devoted to the message of Divine Mercy.
As you visit this holy place, take time to reflect on the image of Jesus and his compassionate mercy. May this sanctuary inspire you to embrace His love and share His mercy with others.
In 1991, the church became the Italian Sanctuary of the devotion to Divine Mercy, a revelation given to St. Faustina Kowalska. Relics of St. Faustina can be found here along with richly decorated side altars. One of the few churches in Rome that offers Mass in English.
Prayer
Reciting the Divine Mercy Chaplet can be done with the help of a rosary.
On each "Our Father" bead of the rosary, pray:
V. Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, soul and divinity of your dearly beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
R. in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
On each of the 10 "Hail Mary" beads, pray:
V. For the sake of his sorrowful Passion,
R. have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Recommended Nearby:
Basilica of San Giovanni Battista dei Fiorentini
Cross the Tiber river leaving Vatican City, and you will find the Basilica of San Giovanni Battista dei Fiorentini. The church before it was rebuilt was a place to help people who were affected by the bubonic plague in 1448.
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