Today we reflect on the dedication of St. Mary Major Basilica which, for centuries, was referred to as, Our Lady of the Snows. 

According to legend in the mid-4th century, a wealthy couple living in Rome wanted to thank The Lord for their many Blessings. 

Because they were childless they had no one to leave their wealth to so they asked The Blessed Mother, in prayer, what they should do with their fortune and for a sign confirming they were doing The Lord’s Will. 

On the night before August 5th The Blessed Mother appeared to the couple and, at the same time, Pope Liberius and told them to build a church on Esquiline Hill, one of the seven hills that surround Rome. 

As a sign confirming their request snow fell the following August day, covering the hill that The Blessed Mother had selected. 

Pope Liberius had a Basilica built on the spot and it was re-built by Pope Sixtus after the council of Ephesus which affirmed Mary’s title as The Mother of God. 

It is the largest church dedicated to The Blessed Mother in the entire world and, although it has been restored many times, it has maintained its original character. 

For hundreds of years this day has been celebrated at the Basilica with the release of thousands of white rose petals from the dome of the church. 

Unable to prove the story of the wealthy couple, the reference to Our Lady of the Snows was removed from the Roman calendar in 1969. 

Our Lady of the Snows, please pray for us.