This observance appears in the catholic calendar with liturgical color green .
The feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major commemorates the oldest and most significant church in the West dedicated to the Mother of God, celebrating her pivotal role in salvation history and marking a key date in the church calendar.
The Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, celebrated annually on August 5th, honors the oldest and most important church in the West dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, situated on Rome's Esquiline Hill. This feast marks a significant event in the church calendar, recalling the legendary miraculous snowfall that designated the site for its construction and its subsequent dedication. More profoundly, it highlights the enduring importance of Mary, Mother of God, in salvation history, reaffirming her unique role as the Theotokos, whose assent to God's will brought about the Incarnation of Christ, thereby providing a physical and spiritual focal point for devotion to her and her contribution to humanity's redemption.
The Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, celebrated annually on August 5th, is a profound commemoration in the liturgical calendar, honoring one of the four Papal Basilicas in Rome and the oldest church in the West dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This feast, often colloquially known as Our Lady of the Snows, traces its origins to a miraculous event and stands as a testament to the enduring veneration of the Mother of God within the Church. It is not merely a celebration of a building, but rather a profound acknowledgment of Mary's unique and indispensable role in salvation history, particularly her divine motherhood, which was dogmatically affirmed at the Council of Ephesus. The basilica itself, perched majestically on the Esquiline Hill, serves as a physical embodiment of this veneration, drawing countless pilgrims and faithful to its sacred precincts. Its dedication day provides an annual opportunity for the faithful to reflect on Mary's 'fiat' and her continuous intercession for humanity, reinforcing her position as the Mother of the Church and Queen of Heaven.
The popular tradition surrounding the foundation of Saint Mary Major is perhaps one of the most charming and miraculous tales in Christian lore, giving the feast its alternative name, Our Lady of the Snows. According to legend, in the summer of 358 AD, during the pontificate of Pope Liberius, a wealthy Roman patrician named John and his barren wife, devout and childless, prayed to the Blessed Virgin Mary to indicate how they should use their fortune for God's glory. Mary appeared to them in a dream on the night of August 4th, instructing them to build a church in her honor on the spot where they would find snow on the Esquiline Hill the following morning. Miraculously, despite the scorching Roman summer, a blanket of snow indeed covered a specific area on the hill on August 5th. Pope Liberius, having received an identical vision, journeyed to the site with the couple and the Roman populace, tracing the outline of the future basilica in the snow. This miraculous event provided the impetus and divine approbation for the church's construction, cementing its foundation in an extraordinary act of divine providence and Marian intercession.
While the legend attributes the initial design to Pope Liberius, the current Basilica of Saint Mary Major was actually built nearly a century later, primarily under the patronage of Pope Sixtus III (432-440 AD). Its construction immediately followed the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD, a pivotal ecumenical council that formally declared Mary as the *Theotokos*, or God-bearer, affirming that Jesus Christ is truly God from the moment of His conception. This theological declaration was a direct response to the Nestorian heresy, which denied Mary's divine motherhood. The construction of a grand basilica dedicated to Mary at this specific historical juncture was thus a powerful architectural and liturgical affirmation of this newly defined dogma. It underscored the Church's unwavering belief in the Incarnation and Mary's unique role in bringing God into the world. The basilica's mosaics from this period, depicting scenes from the life of Mary and Christ, serve as stunning visual catechism, proclaiming the truth of the *Theotokos* to all who entered.
Over the centuries, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major has undergone numerous renovations and additions, reflecting various architectural styles while maintaining its profound spiritual significance. It boasts a majestic Romanesque campanile, elaborate Baroque chapels, and stunning medieval mosaics, including those in the nave from the 5th century depicting Old Testament scenes related to Mary's prefigurement. One of its most cherished treasures is the relic of the Holy Crib, believed to be pieces of the manger where the infant Jesus lay in Bethlehem. This relic connects the basilica directly to the Nativity, further emphasizing Mary's role as the Mother of Christ. The presence of such a significant relic transforms the basilica from merely a beautiful building into a tangible link to the very beginnings of Christianity, inviting pilgrims to contemplate the humility of God's Incarnation and the sacredness of the Holy Family. The basilica also houses the tomb of Saint Jerome, the translator of the Vulgate Bible, adding another layer of historical and spiritual importance.
The Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major transcends its historical and architectural elements to convey deep theological meaning. It is a celebration of Mary's singular place in the economy of salvation. By dedicating such a magnificent edifice to her, the Church acknowledges her as the Mother of God, the Ark of the New Covenant, and the first and most perfect disciple of Christ. The feast reminds the faithful that Mary, through her 'yes' to God, became the channel through whom divine grace entered the world in a definitive way. It highlights the profound truth that just as the physical church building provides a sacred space for encounter with God, Mary herself is the sacred vessel through whom God became incarnate, making salvation possible. This feast encourages devotion to Mary, not as an end in itself, but as a path to Christ, recognizing her as the one who always points to her Son.
In the liturgical calendar, the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major holds the rank of an optional memorial in the General Roman Calendar, though it is celebrated with greater solemnity in Rome and in many Marian shrines worldwide. Its proximity to the Feast of the Assumption (August 15th) naturally leads the faithful to reflect on Mary's glorious destiny and her ongoing intercession for the Church. The feast serves as an annual reminder of the universal importance of Marian devotion, which is deeply embedded in Catholic tradition across various cultures. From the Americas to Asia, Africa, and Europe, the faithful look to Mary as a model of faith, humility, and obedience. The Basilica of Saint Mary Major, and the feast commemorating its dedication, therefore stands as a global symbol of the Church's filial love for the Blessed Mother, encouraging believers to imitate her virtues and seek her maternal protection on their journey towards Christ.
In the scorching heat of a Roman summer, during the fourth century, there lived a devout and wealthy patrician named John and his equally pious wife. Though blessed with great fortune, their hearts yearned for a child, a blessing that had eluded them. In their fervent prayers, they beseeched the Blessed Virgin Mary to guide them on how best to use their considerable wealth for God's glory, promising to dedicate it to a noble cause in her honor. Their prayers, offered with sincere hearts, ascended to heaven.
On the night of August 4th, a miraculous vision unfolded simultaneously for both John and his wife, and for Pope Liberius himself. The Blessed Mother appeared to each of them in their dreams, her visage radiant and serene. To John and his wife, she revealed her will: a church dedicated to her should be built on the very spot where, despite the oppressive summer heat, they would find freshly fallen snow the following morning. The same divine message was imparted to the Holy Father, Pope Liberius, who was also instructed to mark out the foundations of the church on the snow-covered ground.
The dawn of August 5th broke over Rome, promising another day of sweltering heat. Yet, as the city began to stir, an extraordinary sight met the astonished eyes of its inhabitants. On the Esquiline Hill, where no snow had ever been seen in August, a pristine blanket of white lay glistening under the rising sun. It was not merely a dusting, but a miraculous covering, clearly defining an area for construction. Word spread like wildfire, and the faithful, along with John and his wife, flocked to the hill.
Pope Liberius, filled with awe and divine confirmation, arrived at the miraculous site. With the people watching in wonder, he knelt in prayer before tracing the outline of the future basilica in the miraculous snow. This divine blueprint, laid out by the hand of heaven itself, became the foundation for the magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a testament to Mary's loving intercession and God's wondrous providence. Though the church we see today was later rebuilt and expanded, the legend of the snow remains etched in its history, a beautiful reminder of how heaven intervened to establish this preeminent shrine to the Mother of God.
August 5, 2006
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We are celebrating the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major, the oldest Marian shrine in the West, built after the Ecumenical Council of Ephesus which solemnly proclaimed Mary Theotokos, Mother of God.
In this Basilica, which is particularly dear to the Roman people, we come to venerate the Mother of God, the 'Salus Populi Romani', who has always protected and continues to protect this city and the entire world. The ancient tradition of the miraculous snowfall, which occurred here on the Esquiline Hill, reminds us of the origin of this Basilica. It is a tradition that expresses the conviction that it was Mary herself who chose this place, in the heart of Rome, to have a church dedicated to her.
In fact, the feast we are celebrating today is closely linked to the history of the Council of Ephesus, which took place in 431. At that time, there was a fierce controversy concerning the person of Christ and, consequently, the title to be attributed to Mary. Nestorius, Patriarch of Constantinople, maintained that Mary should be called Christotokos, 'Mother of Christ', but not Theotokos, 'Mother of God'. According to him, in Christ there were two persons, one divine and one human, and Mary was only the mother of the human person. The Fathers of the Council of Ephesus, guided by the Holy Spirit, firmly opposed this doctrine, which undermined the unity of Christ's person, and solemnly affirmed that Christ is one person, truly God and truly man, and that therefore Mary is truly Theotokos, Mother of God. This dogma, so important for our faith, was greeted with immense joy by the Christian people. It was a victory for the truth, a victory for Christ, a victory for Mary.
The Basilica of St Mary Major was built shortly after this Council, by Pope Sixtus III, as a monumental sign of the Church's faith in the divine motherhood of Mary. It was a magnificent testimony to the fact that the Mother of God truly brought forth God, that God truly became man in her womb. For this reason, this Basilica is a privileged place to meditate on the mystery of the Incarnation, on the mystery of Christ, true God and true man, born of the Virgin Mary.
Contemplating this Basilica, we are invited to reflect on the role of Mary in the history of salvation. Mary is not simply a creature, however excellent. She is the Mother of God, and as such, she holds a unique place in the plan of salvation. Her 'fiat', her 'yes' to God's will, was decisive for the Incarnation of the Word. Through her, God entered into human history, taking on our flesh, sharing our human condition, except for sin. Through her, salvation became possible for all humanity. This is why we venerate Mary, not as a goddess, but as the Mother of God, as the one who brought us Christ, the Redeemer of the world.
This Basilica is also a symbol of Mary's motherhood towards the Church and towards all humanity. Just as she gave birth to Christ, the Head of the Church, so too she cooperates in the birth of the faithful, the members of the mystical Body of Christ. She is truly our Mother, who cares for us, who intercedes for us, who accompanies us on our journey towards God. This is why we turn to her with confidence, especially in times of difficulty and trial. We know that she, our heavenly Mother, will never abandon us.
Finally, this Basilica, with its rich artistic and historical heritage, invites us to contemplate the beauty of holiness. The saints, whose relics are preserved here, remind us that the call to holiness is for everyone. Mary herself is the model of holiness, the 'full of grace', the Immaculate Conception. Let us imitate her virtues, her humility, her obedience, her faith, her charity. Let us strive to live in communion with God, to serve our brothers and sisters, to build a more just and fraternal world. In this way, we will contribute to making the Church a true 'home and school of communion', as my Venerable Predecessor, Pope John Paul II, often said.
Dear Brothers and Sisters, as we celebrate the Feast of the Dedication of this venerable Basilica, let us renew our devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and our Mother. Let us entrust ourselves to her maternal protection, confident that she will guide us on the path of holiness and lead us to her Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
During the solemn Mass on August 5th at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, white flower petals are dropped from the dome of the Liberian Chapel, symbolizing the miraculous snowfall that, according to legend, indicated the site for the church's construction.
This tradition directly reenacts the pious legend of the miraculous August snowfall on the Esquiline Hill, which is believed to have designated the location for the basilica's foundation by divine intervention.
Parishes and shrines around the world, particularly those named 'Our Lady of the Snows' or 'Saint Mary Major,' often celebrate the feast day with special Masses, novenas, or enhanced Marian devotions.
These celebrations honor the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title associated with the basilica's miraculous foundation, fostering deeper veneration of her divine motherhood.
In some regions, particularly in Italy and among Italian-American communities, the feast day is a time for family gatherings and special meals, often accompanied by prayers or hymns dedicated to the Blessed Mother.
The feast holds cultural significance in these communities due to the basilica's historical importance as a Roman church and its deep connection to Marian devotion, fostering both religious and familial celebration.
The faithful are encouraged to reflect on Mary's role as *Theotokos* (Mother of God) and her unique place in salvation history, often engaging in personal prayer, such as the Rosary, or reading sacred scripture related to the Annunciation and Nativity.
The dedication of the basilica immediately followed the Council of Ephesus's affirmation of Mary as *Theotokos*, making the feast a powerful liturgical reminder of this central dogma and an invitation to deepen Marian devotion.