The common and widespread custom of placing amulets on tombs to ward off evil, including bells, silver and gold plates and iron hooves, and of whispering invocations and prayers of all kinds, were some of the many elements of superstition that adepts of the new faith inherited from paganism.
These rites were contrasted by the silence of the catacombs, a sacred, meaningful silence full of history and mystery, more eloquent than words themselves.
This calm atmosphere, evocative of the life and sacrifice of the first Christians, was a privileged place of spiritual meditation and renewal of faith.
The courageous witness of the martyrs challenged the first Christians and made them reflect.
