Lenten Statio at St Peter’s Basilica

The traditional Lenten Statio will take place Saturday, February 28, 2026 at St Peter’s Basilica at 6:00 p.m., with the solemn ostension of the Lance of Saint Longinus, the relic of the Passion of Christ preserved in the Basilica.

The celebration will begin with a penitential procession along the central nave of the Basilica, accompanied by the chanting of the Litaniae Sanctorum, in an atmosphere of recollection and prayer proper to the Lenten season.

At the conclusion of the procession, the Holy Lance will be solemnly displayed. According to tradition, the relic is identified with the weapon of the Roman soldier Longinus, who pierced Christ’s side on the Cross (cf. Jn 19:34). This gesture recalls the mystery of the Passion and invites the faithful to contemplate the redeeming sacrifice.

The Eucharistic Celebration will follow at the Altar of the Chair, in the vigil liturgy of the Second Sunday of Lent.

At 9:00 p.m., Eucharistic Adoration will take place, offering a further moment of silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.