The Dedication of St Mary Major Basilica
Today we celebrate the dedication of Saint Mary Major Basilica. This dedication was created by the order of Pope Liberius which happened during the mid-fourth century, the Liberian basilica was later rebuilt by Pope Sixtus III after the Council of Ephesus had affirmed Mary’s title as Mother of God during the year 431. St. Mary Major is actually the one of the largest Church in the entire world that honors God through Mary. Standing atop one of Rome’s seven hills, it has been able to survive many different restorations without even losing its character as an early Roman basilica. Its interior contains three naves divided by colonnades in the style of Constantine’s era. Fifth-century mosaics on its walls testify to its antiquity.
St. Mary Major is actually one of the four Roman basilicas that are known as patriarchal churches in memory of the first centers of the Church.
Another name for this feast is Our Lady of the Snows. According to a beautiful story, a very wealthy Roman couple had pledged their fortune to the Mother of God. In affirmation, she was able to produce a miraculous summer snowfall and told them to build a church on the same site. The legend was long celebrated by releasing a very beautiful shower of white rose petals from the basilica’s dome every year on August 5.
Prayer for this day
Mary we pray that we may be able to devote our lives to you and help us to spread this dedication to others. Mary we pray that you may help us to strengthen our relationship with you and help us to strengthen our intimacy with your Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen
Mary pray for us
St. Joseph pray for us
May we continue to strengthen our journey to sainthood and keep others in our prayers.
Works cited
Information (read from, not taken):
Franciscan media. “Dedication of Saint Mary Major Basilica. ”Dedication of Saint Mary Major Basilica | Franciscan Media. Accessed August 5, 2021.
Images:
Dedication of Saint Mary Major Basilica. August 5, 2021. Dedication of Saint Mary Major Basilica - Google Search.