The Miraculous Connection Between St. Mary Major and the Birthplace of Christ
As the Church commemorates the Solemnity of Our Lady of the Snows, we are drawn into the ancient tradition that links St. Mary Major, the first Marian Basilica of Rome, to the sacred place of Jesus Christ’s birth in the Holy Land.
By Paolo Ondarza
Legend has it that Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major owes its existence to a miraculous event – a snowfall in the middle of summer. Pope Liberius, the 36th successor of Peter, saw the vision of this extraordinary snowfall in a dream, revealing the spot where the basilica should be constructed in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
On August 5, 359, the Esquiline Hill in Rome was covered in snow, marking the exact location for the Basilica. This marvellous event led to the construction of the Basilica of St. Mary Major, also known as the Liberian Basilica after its founder, Pope Liberius.
Fast forward to August 5, 2024, Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the Basilica to partake in Second Vespers on the anniversary of its dedication and the Solemnity of Our Lady of the Snows.
According to Monsignor Ivan Ricupero, the Basilica underwent several renovations over the centuries, notably by Pope Sixtus III in 432. The mosaics in the Basilica’s triumphal arch depicted this historic moment.
With each renovation, St. Mary Major gained new significance as a “second Bethlehem”. An Oratory of the Nativity, using stones from the Holy Land, was built within the Basilica. In 644, the relic of the Holy Crib was brought by the Patriarch of Jerusalem, enriching the sanctity of the Basilica.
The Basilica of St. Mary Major, often referred to as the “Bethlehem of the West”, became a popular pilgrimage destination during Christmas festivities. The Basilica houses relics from the Holy Land that speak to the life and birth of Christ.
Pope Sixtus V also constructed the monumental chapel of the Most Blessed Sacrament within the Basilica. This chapel became a site for sacred events, including mystical visions and the celebration of Mass by saints such as Saint Cajetan of Thiene and Saint Ignatius of Loyola.
The Basilica holds the oldest known sculpture of the Nativity scene crafted by Arnolfo Di Cambio, commissioned by Pope Niccolò IV. This exquisite piece of art attracted pilgrims and tourists to contemplate the divine birth.
Central to the Basilica is the relic of the Holy Crib, scientifically verified to have come from Bethlehem. Pope Francis will inaugurate the Holy Door of St. Mary Major on January 1, 2025, reaffirming the spiritual connection between the Basilica and the Nativity.
Visiting St. Mary Major during the Jubilee Year offers pilgrims a chance to delve deeper into the mystery of Christ’s birth. Historical artefacts, religious relics, and sacred art within the Basilica provide a profound encounter with the Incarnation.
Join the countless pilgrims who have journeyed to the Liberian Basilica, immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of faith and devotion woven within its sacred walls.
Photos courtesy of Vatican News
