A very ancient tradition still thrives in Rome, the Lenten Station Churches. During the pontificate of Pope Gregory the Great (6th century) each day of Lent was linked with a particular church of the city. In the olden days the Bishop of Rome would visit each church on its particular day as a means to foster unity within the Roman Church.
In modern times, the Pope no longer visits every church during Lent, but does celebrate Mass on Ash Wednesday at the first station, the church of Santa Sabina on the Aventine Hill. This year Pope Benedict did not visit Santa Sabina. In part due to his health, but also in order to accommodate the larger crowd that wanted to be present for the Mass since it was only two days after the announcement of his retirement.
A Mass in English is held at each station church at 7am organized by the North American College. In the evening, a Mass is usually celebrated in Italian.
For the many seminarians at the North American College, this forty day pilgrimage becomes an opportunity to offer a Lenten sacrifice (many walk to the churches, the farthest one being Saint Paul Outside the Walls which requires a 75 minute walk). It is also a unique opportunity to visit these very ancient churches throughout the city. On their station day, many churches place the relics they hold on the altar, others open their catacombs which remain locked the remaining 364 days of the year. One particular church, San Vitale, places bay leaves all over the floor of the church to signify the victory won by the early church martyrs in Rome.