The Miracle of the Snow with Pope Liberius JACOPO SUCCHI 1580 The patriarchal basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome is showered with white petals on August 5, solemn feast of St. Mary of the Snows. The celebration recalls the dedication of the basilica and the famous "miracle of snow," which occurred on August 5, 358 A.D. when snow fell on this little Roman hill of the Esquiline, one of Rome's famous seven hills. It was taken as an extraordinary sign ----- August is a hot and humid month in Rome ----- of the Virgin's invitation to construct a church in her honor. According to tradition, on the night of August 5 the Virgin appeared amid the snow to Pope Liberius and patrician Giovanni and his wife. A century later, the Council of Ephesus (431) declared Mary Most Holy Mother of God, and Pope Sixtus III ordered that the basilica be constructed in her honor. The icon of Mary Salvation of the Roman People ("Salus Populi Romani") is venerated in the basilica. May 17, 352 to Sept. 24, 366  --------Contact
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