Did you know?

     Did you know, that on this day, August 5th, in 358 ad, despite the intense heat of the Roman summer, a patch of the Esquilline Hill was covered in snow? The Esquilline Hill, is the highest of Romes legendary Seven hills, located in the eastern central part of the city. Just northeast of the Coliseum. It is known as the site of the Basilica of St Mary Major, Our Lady of the Snows. Our Mother Mary, caused a miraculous summer snowfall on the summit, outlining the exact location and footprint were the major Basilica was to be built. Pope Liberius went to the site, found the snow in the shape of a Church's floor plan and ordered the Church to be constructed. A noble couple, named John Patricius and his wife, had an apparition of Mary, the Blessed Virgin, along with Pope Liberius. The noble couple financed the construction of this great Basilica. Every year the Basilica commemorates the miraculous event of the snow, by dropping white petals from the ceiling of the Basilica, to simulate the miraculous snowfall! In the evening, a celebration of artificial snow is often used in The Piazza outside, recreating the miracle with lights and music. What a wonderful sight that must be! 

     The event of snow took place long ago, shortly after the council of Ephesus (431 a.d.) proclaimed Mary, to be the Mother of God.

     Today is a feast day of the Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major, Our Lady of the Snows . We honor Mary as our Mother, our Mediatrix, Our Hope, in a world that has never ceased in needing Her protection. She is the Mother of God. She is our Mother too. Today we honor Her under the title of Our Lady of the Snows. And now you know.....

     Holy Mother of God, Holy Mary, I love you