Quo Vadis, Domine?
1 min read
The Quo Vadis tradition is the story of St. Peter’s flight from the Emperor Nero’s persecution of Roman Christians in the first century.
As legend has it, Peter decided to flee Rome at the outbreak of the persecution, perhaps in fear, perhaps because he thought “the rock” should be somewhere safe so others could eventually find and cling to it, and to him.
Heading out the Via Appia, Peter meets Jesus, who is heading into the city of Rome to face the persecution. “Quo vadis, Domine,” Peter asks – “Lord, where are you going?” “I am going to Rome to be crucified,” Jesus answers – and disappears.
At which point Peter turns back into the city to embrace martyrdom.
