Our Lady of the Snows: An Unlikely Patron in August

Our Lady of the Snows: An unlikely patron in August

The optional memorial of the Dedication of St. Mary Major, celebrated on Aug. 5, recalls the importance of Mary in the life of the church. But it also calls to mind the Marian title of "Our Lady of the Snows."

Our Lady of the Snows: Santa Maria Maggiore - Catholic Insight

On August 5th, we celebrate the dedication of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the highest church in the hierarchy of churches dedicated to Our Lady in all of Christendom. The glorious edifice sits atop the Esquiline Hill, beside the palace of Victor Emmanuel II, just outside the Vatican City State, itself established on February 11th, 1929, providentially the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, under Benito Mussolini. Even so, the church and its…