The Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome
Feast Day: August 5
On August 5, the Church celebrates a special feast. It is called the Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major. This church is in Rome. It is one of the oldest churches in the world that is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of Jesus.
This feast is not just about a building. It is about honoring Mary. It is about remembering her special role in the story of Jesus. Catholics around the world remember this day with joy.
The basilica is called “St. Mary Major” because it is the largest church in Rome dedicated to Mary. “Major” means “greater” or “big.” It is also called “Our Lady of the Snows” because of a story linked to snow in summer.
This feast reminds us that Mary is important. She is the mother of Jesus, and she cares for the Church. Her basilica is a sign of that love. It is a place of prayer and peace.
Snow in August?
There is an old story about how this church began. The story says that in the year 358, a rich Roman couple wanted to give their money to honor Mary. They prayed and asked Mary for help. That night, something strange happened.
Both the husband and wife had the same dream. Mary told them to build a church where they would see snow the next morning. Pope Liberius also had the same dream. That night, it snowed on a hill in Rome. It was August, so this was very strange.
The couple and the pope saw the snow. They marked the place where it fell. That is where the first church was built. Because of this story, the church is also called “Our Lady of the Snows.”
Later, in the 400s, Pope Sixtus III rebuilt the church. He did this after the Council of Ephesus. That council had said clearly that Mary is the Mother of God. The new church was a way to honor that truth.
A House Full of Beauty
St. Mary Major is very beautiful. It is big and old. It has been standing for more than 1,500 years. Many popes have cared for it and added to it. Today, people from all over the world visit it.
The church has many works of art. It has old mosaics that tell stories from the Bible. Some of these show Mary, Jesus, and scenes from the life of the Church. These mosaics are from the 5th century. That means they are very old, but still there.
Inside the church, there is a special ceiling made with gold. The gold was given by the king and queen of Spain. They gave it after the first trip to the Americas. The gold was used to honor Mary.
There is also a special chapel in the basilica. It holds a small image of Mary called “Salus Populi Romani.” That means “Health of the Roman People.” Popes pray there before important events. Many people ask Mary for help in this place.
Mary’s Church for the Whole World
This basilica shows how much the Church loves Mary. She is the Mother of Jesus. She is also our mother. Catholics have always turned to her in prayer. This church is a sign of that love.
After the Council of Ephesus said that Mary is the Mother of God, many churches were built in her honor. But this basilica was the first big one in the West. It shows how much the Church values Mary.
People visit St. Mary Major to pray. Some go to say thank you. Some go to ask for help. Some go just to feel close to Mary. They believe she listens. She brings our prayers to Jesus.
Even though the church is in Rome, it belongs to the whole Church. It is a gift to all Catholics. It is a sign of Mary’s care for us, no matter where we live.
Snow Petals and Lasting Love
Every year on August 5, the Church celebrates this feast. In Rome, there is a special Mass at the basilica. During the Mass, white flower petals fall from the ceiling. This remembers the story of the summer snow.
The petals remind people of the dream, the snow, and the love that began this church. It is a simple way to honor Mary and thank her. Many people gather to watch. It is a peaceful and joyful event.
Outside of Rome, parishes may remember this feast in smaller ways. Some churches may have a Marian prayer service or say the Rosary. Others may teach about the basilica in faith classes or homilies.
The basilica of St. Mary Major has stood for many centuries. It is still a place of prayer today. This feast reminds us that Mary is always with us. She leads us to Jesus. Her love for the Church will never end.
Daily Mass Readings
The readings for this memorial may be taken from the readings below, the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or the readings of the day.
- First Reading – Revelation 21:1-5a: John saw a new heaven and earth. God will live among his people, and pain and death will end. Everything will be made new.
- Responsorial Psalm – Judith 13: You are blessed above all women. The Lord who made heaven and earth is praised through you. Your faithful act will be remembered whenever God’s power is told.
- Gospel – Luke 11:27-28: A woman praises Jesus’ mother, but he replies that those who hear God’s word and live by it are truly blessed.
Homilies, Commentaries, and Reflections
A Church That Reminds Us of Mary’s Care
The Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major helps us remember that the Church is a home. It is not just a place of stone and walls. It is a place where people pray, listen to God’s Word, and feel close to Mary and Jesus. This basilica in Rome is one of the oldest churches in the world for Mary. That shows how important she is to us.
The story of the summer snowfall reminds us that God listens to our prayers, even in small ways. The snow came in a strange way, but it helped begin something lasting. When we ask Mary for help, she listens. She brings us closer to Jesus. She also helps us know that we are not alone.
Mary was the mother of Jesus, but she is also a mother to us. The Church teaches that she cares for the people of God. St. Mary Major is a symbol of that care. People go there to pray, light candles, and ask for help. But we do not have to be in Rome to do this. We can talk to Mary anywhere.
This feast helps us think about our own faith. Do we take time to pray? Do we ask Mary to help us? Do we remember that the Church is more than a building—it is a family? The basilica is old, but the love it represents is still strong. It reminds us that faith lasts. Mary is still with us, and she still brings us to her Son.
Reflection Questions:
- Do I see the Church as a place of prayer and peace?
- How do I turn to Mary in my daily life?
- What does it mean to me that Mary is a mother to all?
- How can I honor Mary in simple ways, like prayer or acts of kindness?
Resources
The Miracle of the August Snow
The Miracle of the August Snow is a children’s book about twin brothers, Ignatius and Paulus, who argue a lot but must learn to work together. The story takes place in Rome during a hot August. Their family works for a kind Christian couple, Giovanni and Julia. One night, Mary appears in a dream to the couple and to Pope Liberius. She promises a miracle—snow in summer—and asks for help building a church. The boys have a chance to be part of the miracle, but only if they stop fighting. This story is based on the legend behind St. Mary Major.
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Questions and Answers about the Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major
What is the Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major?
It is a feast that honors the building of the church called St. Mary Major in Rome. It celebrates Mary, the Mother of Jesus.
When is the feast celebrated?
It is celebrated every year on August 5.
Where is the Basilica of St. Mary Major?
It is in Rome, Italy. It is one of the four major churches in Rome.
Why is it called “St. Mary Major”?
It is the largest church in Rome that is dedicated to Mary. “Major” means “big” or “great.”
What is the story of the snow?
In the year 358, snow fell on a Roman hill in August. This was seen as a sign from Mary. A church was built there.
Why is the basilica also called “Our Lady of the Snows”?
Because of the miracle of the snowfall in summer. It showed where the church should be built.
Who built the first church?
A Roman couple paid for it. Pope Liberius helped mark the place. Later, Pope Sixtus III rebuilt it.
What makes this church special?
It is very old. It has beautiful art and a deep link to Mary. Many popes have prayed there.
What happens on the feast day in Rome?
During Mass, white petals fall from the ceiling. This remembers the snowfall.
Do Catholics have to visit the church?
No, but they can honor the feast by praying to Mary or learning more about her.
Why is this feast important for us?
It helps us remember Mary’s care. It also reminds us that the Church is a home for all.
A Snowy Sign That Still Speaks
The Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major reminds us of Mary’s care. It also shows us how the Church remembers special places and events. This feast points to a building, but also to prayer, faith, and love for Mary.
The story of the snow in August helps us see that God works in quiet and surprising ways. Mary helped guide a family and a pope to build something lasting. That church still stands today.
When we look at this basilica, we remember that Mary is always near. She is the mother of Jesus and our mother too. She wants us to stay close to her Son.
This feast is not just about the past. It is about what still matters today—prayer, trust, and saying yes to God, like Mary did.
Your Turn
Take a little time to learn more about the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Read about its history, look at photos, or pray a short prayer to Mary. You don’t have to travel to Rome to feel close to her.
We’d love to hear from you. Have you ever visited this basilica? Do you have a favorite memory or prayer to Mary? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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