Today we celebrate the feast of the dedication of The Papal Basilica in Rome named, Mary Major.

Churches were called Basilicas when named by a Pope, to be honored in a special way. Mary Major is one of the four Major Papal Basilicas in Rome with St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran and St. Paul Outside the Walls being the other three. (There are 94 minor Basilicas in the United States.)

Mary Major is the largest church dedicated to Mary in Rome.  It has great legend attached to it in its history. A wealthy couple in Rome with no heirs prayed to Mary to direct them how to share their wealth. They prayed for a sign and on a hill in Rome one night, a rare snowfall covered the top of the hill and so they had a church built there in honor of Mary. It was known as Our Lady of Snows. This day is also celebrated as the feast day of Our lady of the Snows.

Saint Mary Major became a favorite of many Popes because of various relics and pictures. The church features the altar with pieces from the Holy Crib. There is also an icon of the Mother of God which Pope Francis came to pray in front of quite often. This may be the reason he chose to be buried there. Now his tomb, visible in the church, has become another reason many go to this Basilica.

Today’s feast reminds me to cherish a church and its history. The church of my Baptism and early life was founded by the group of priests that my brother and I eventually joined, The Vincentians. It was founded by the ministry that my brother and I still do, Vincentian Parish Missions.  I know Mary had a hand in this.