The Christophers: The House on Humility Street

Fr. Ed Dougherty, M.M.

The Christophers’ Board of Directors

The Graduate House of the Pontifical North American College in Rome is a 400-year-old baroque structure that sits two blocks away from the Trevi Fountain at the base of the Quirinale Hill. Called the Casa Santa Maria, its unofficial title is the “House on Humility Street,” and it is the place where seminarians and priests live while pursuing graduate degrees in Rome.

Above the main altar in the chapel of the Casa Santa Maria is a beautiful image of our Blessed Mother called “Our Lady of Humility,” which is taken from the house’s unofficial title. It is said that those who pray before the main altar become well acquainted with Mary’s intercessory power to guide us to follow in Christ’s way of humility. The painting depicts Mary, looking heavenward as if in supplication to God for guidance. This disposition exemplifies why Mary is such a powerful intercessor. Her strength rests entirely in her faith in God to lead her to the wisdom that comes only through humility.

In fact, Mary’s example demonstrates how each of us can become trusted stewards of God’s wisdom, capable of guiding others in their hour of need. This is why the idea of humility is such a perfect reference in the unofficial name of the Casa Santa Maria because the priority of those studying the faith is to walk in the way of humility to prepare themselves to guide others to do the same.

In His parable about humility, Christ tells the story of a wedding banquet where those who choose a place of honor risk being displaced by a more eminent figure while those who freely choose a lowly place can only move up in the world. “When you are invited,” Christ says, “go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher’; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

It seems fitting that Mary exemplifies this path of humility for our priests and seminarians studying in Rome because she understands the humility of Christ so thoroughly and can show us the way to His merciful heart.

God certainly chose Mary for her humble nature, and her role in guiding Jesus to manhood must have been a profoundly deep and beautiful relationship. In being chosen by God, Mary exemplifies the humble being exalted in Christ’s parable.

In her Magnificat, Mary declares, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.”

The Magnificat is inspired by Old Testament passages in which God shows favor towards the humble of heart. By honoring Mary, we reflect this truth of God that humility deserves to be favored. It’s a radical outlook that transforms our entire approach to life and enables us to see beyond superficialities to the treasures of the soul.

Today, we can see how our priests and seminarians studying in Rome follow in the footsteps of Jesus by looking to Mary as a great teacher of the things of the heart. Let us pray that she continues to guide all who turn to her wisdom and intercession in their time at our Casa Santa Maria, so they can walk in humility and learn to show others the way.

---

For free copies of the Christopher News Note ANSWERING GOD’S CALL, write: The Christophers, 264 West 40th Street, Room 603, New York, NY 10018; or e-mail: mail@christophers.org