Experiencing ‘Communitas-Through-Culture’ at the Scala Sancta

A pilgrimage in Rome reveals the relationship between objects and sacred experiences

Pilgrims ascend the Scala Sancta on their knees on Easter Sunday, 2019

In April of 2019, a friend, knowing that I happened to be in Rome, sent me an article about the Scala Sancta (Holy Steps)—the marble stairs to the Pope’s private chapel that are said to have been walked by Jesus when he was judged by Pontius Pilate. According to legend, these…