Today, the Church commemorates the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, the first church in the West dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Built after the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD, which affirmed Mary as Mother of God (Theotokos), the basilica stands as a lasting tribute to her role in salvation history.
On this day, we honor Our Lady with love and gratitude for her intercession and maternal care.
Prayer of the Day
Prayer to Our Lady of the Snows (Inspired by the Tradition of Saint Mary Major)
O Mary, Mother of God and Queen of Peace,
we honor you on this holy day when your glorious basilica was dedicated in Rome.
Through your gentle intercession, bring comfort to the troubled, healing to the sick,
hope to the brokenhearted, and peace to a restless world.
May our hearts, like that basilica, become dwelling places worthy of your Son, Jesus.
Help us to imitate your humility, trust, and purity of heart.Amen.
Mass Readings of the Day
First Reading: Numbers 12:1–13
Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses, and God defends His chosen servant. Miriam is struck with leprosy but is healed after Moses’ prayer.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 51:3–4, 5–6ab, 6cd–7, 12–13
“Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.”
Gospel: Matthew 14:22–36
Jesus walks on the water and calms the storm. Peter’s faith falters but Jesus saves him — a powerful reminder to keep our eyes on Christ.
Saint of the Day — Our Lady of the Snows (Dedication of Saint Mary Major)
Though not a canonized saint, this feast celebrates Mary’s special title under the devotion of Our Lady of the Snows, linked to a miraculous snowfall that marked the basilica’s location in Rome.
5 Interesting Facts About the Basilica of Saint Mary Major
- It is the largest Marian church in Rome, completed in the 5th century.
- Legend says the Virgin Mary appeared in a dream to Pope Liberius and a Roman couple, leading to its miraculous founding.
- Snow fell in Rome in August, marking the spot where the basilica should be built — commemorated today as “Our Lady of the Snows.”
- It houses a relic of the Holy Crib (manger) from Bethlehem.
- Saint Ignatius of Loyola celebrated his first Mass in this basilica.
