James O'Reilly
Built in the 12th century, the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome is over 800 years old. But with age comes wear and tear, and many parts of the church are in urgent need of restoration.
This is why The Hortus Foundation, an organization dedicated to restoring timeless works of Catholic cultural heritage, started 'The San Clemente Project'—to save this historical and architectural treasure of the Church.
To share more about why San Clemente is unique, Fr. Paul Murray is launching a new book titled 'Majesty and Beauty: The Basilica of San Clemente and Its Underworld', which explores the layered history, art, and archaeology of the church.
FR. PAUL MURRAY, OP
Writer, poet, and professor
And everyone knew, up to the 19th century, that there was the basilica there. They thought that was the ancient basilica. But in the 19th century—and this was a great event—an Irish Dominican, Father Mullooly, he realised that there was a basilica underneath that had been forgotten about in the 4th and 5th century.
The San Clemente Project has revealed further discoveries. But the project did not start because of any grand plan; it started because Fr. Murray simply asked for help with a paint job.
FR. PAUL MURRAY, OP
Writer, poet, and professor
I actually wrote to a wonderful man called Jim Perry, about four years ago, saying, you know, 'the walls are so bad, could you help us just paint the walls?' And little did I realize that in his generous response, they—we—decided to try to restore the entire basilica, all three levels, which is now well underway. We've received very generous help from donors, especially from America, but we need more to complete the project, you know. But it's beginning to look truly radiant.
With local knowledge from the Irish Dominicans and Roman Italians and backed by American money, restoration of the church is already well underway—scaffolding is everywhere—but the international effort illustrates why restoration of the basilica matters.
FR. PAUL MURRAY, OP
Writer, poet, and professor
I think when it's completed, it will be a sheer marvel for Rome; and not just Rome, but for the Catholic world.
Many of Rome's churches feel timeless and eternal, but as the San Clemente Project reminds us, building beautiful churches takes money, time, and work—and so does maintaining them.
