Pope Francis visited the Marian Basilica to entrust his mission to the Mother of God before an icon of Mary known as the „Salus Populi Romani” or „Protector of the Roman People”.
Every time the Pope leaves for an international trip, he returns to pray before the Marian icon.
White rose petals fall from the ceiling of the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome to mark today’s anniversary of the 4th century Marian miracle – Snow in Rome in August! pic.twitter.com/zxYY32xyxx
— Courtney Mares (@catholicourtney) August 5, 2023
Of the four major papal basilicas in Rome, only St. Mary Major retains its original structure. Fifth-century mosaics can be found in the central part of the basilica, which also contains a reliquary of the Holy Cradle from the Nativity of Christ.
Rome will prepare for the anniversary of its papal Marian Basilica on August 2-4 with a trinity of prayers.
On Aug. 5, the festivities will begin with a Mass at 10 a.m. led by Cardinal Stanislaus Rilko, Archbishop of St. Mary Major. Monsignor Emilio Nappa, president of the Pontifical Mission Societies, will close the ceremony with another Mass at 7 p.m.
Free tickets from the Vatican must be reserved in advance to attend the dinner with Pope Francis at the Basilica at 5:30 p.m.
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Courtney Mares is the Rome correspondent for Catholic News Agency. A graduate of Harvard University, she has reported from news bureaus on three continents and received a Gardner Fellowship for her work with North Korean refugees.