📚 Our Lady of the Snows

Our Lady of the Snows is a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary associated with the dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. According to an ancient tradition, a wealthy Roman couple prayed to the Virgin Mary for guidance on how to use their wealth in her honor. On the night of August 4, 352, Mary appeared to them in a dream and indicated that a church should be built on the place where snow would fall the following morning. The unusual snowfall on the Esquiline Hill was taken as a sign, and a church was built there.

The Basilica of St. Mary Major became one of the most important churches dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the West. The title Our Lady of the Snows recalls this tradition and celebrates Mary's special place in the life of the Church. The traditional account is a longstanding devotional story rather than a detail established by contemporary historical evidence.

Feast Day: August 5 — Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major
Patronage: Rome and those seeking Mary's protection.

Our Lady Feast day
August 5GRCTridentine
Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major

Our Lady of the Snows is a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary associated with the dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. According to an ancient tradition, a wealthy Roman couple prayed to the Virgin Mary for guidance on how to use their wealth in her honor. On the night of August 4, 352, Mary appeared to them in a dream and indicated that a church should be built on the place where snow would fall the following morning. The unusual snowfall on the Esquiline Hill was taken as a sign, and a church was built there.

The Basilica of St. Mary Major became one of the most important churches dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the West. The title Our Lady of the Snows recalls this tradition and celebrates Mary's special place in the life of the Church. The traditional account is a longstanding devotional story rather than a detail established by contemporary historical evidence.

Patron of

Rome and those seeking Mary's protection.

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