Today we remember the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome. One might ask, “Why make a big deal about a church so far away, built so long ago?”
The story of the building of Saint Mary Major begins around 350, the time when Christianity was recently made legal, and the state religion of the Roman Empire, and when churches could be built.
There was a rich couple, John and his wife. They had no heirs and wanted to give their estate to the Church. They prayed to know how that would be. While asleep, they each had the same dream: Our Lady showed them plans traced in snow, of a church to be built in her honor on the Esquiline Hill of Rome.
They went to the Pope, Liberius, and then with him to the site. They found it just as foreseen - complete with the snow! (It was August 5. Summer in Rome!)
They built the first and greatest church in Rome to be dedicated to Mary. Eighty years later, in 431, the Council of Ephesus solemnly declared Mary to be the Theotokos, (Greek for “God bearer”), the Holy Mother of God.
The path Mary walked on earth wasn’t easy and she never promises yours will be easy. But she walks with you and she shows you how. “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” Receiving and trusting the Word of God, Jesus Himself … and letting Him lead. More than anyone else, Mary has always lived that.
Let Our Lady teach you how … pray the Rosary. Listen to Him. Follow Him. Trust Him.
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Father Jim's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
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To view Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 am EDT, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
