The practice of visiting the particular station churches is very ancient and took place not only in Rome but also in Jerusalem and Constantinople. They were originally associated with fasting in honor of certain holy days.
The Roman station churches were eventually assigned to the days of Lent because of their association with fasting. Pope St. Gregory standardized the churches throughout Rome that were used during the liturgical year. The list of churches was added to the Missal and has mostly remained the same since the time of Gregory (590–604 AD).
The practice of the Lenten stations declined in the late Middle Ages and was revived after the Council of Trent in the 16th century. They became popular again in the past century, even though the Popes have ceased to preside over the daily stations.
First Thursday in Lent: San Giorgio in Velabro
Today’s station Church is San Giorgio in Velabro. Legend says that this Church was built on the spot where Roman history began. It is here that the she-wolf is said to have found Romulus and Remus.
The first time we know of a Church being built here is in the time of Gregory the Great. The current Church was built in the 7th century. It is located in what became known as the Greek quarter. It is just around the corner from Santa Maria in Cosmedin where the famous Boca della Verita is located.
When it was first built it was dedicated to Saint Sebastian. However, Pope Zachary (741–752), who was of Greek origin, brought a relic of St George with him to Rome and place it here so that the Roman Greeks could venerate this beloved saint, so dear to the Greeks.
Among the famous cardinals that have had charge of this ancient Church is Cardinal John Henry Newman.
