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Memorial of the Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major – 5th August 2023
August 5, 2023 @ 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
On Saturday 5th: here in St Mary’s we will commemorate the feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major, one of the Four Major Papal Basilicas in Rome. It is considered the oldest church in the West built in honour the Blessed Virgin Mary the largest Catholic Marian church in Rome.
The Council of Ephesus in 431 formally proclaimed the mother of Jesus as the Mother of God, and the church (basilica) of St Mary Major on the Esquiline Hill in Rome was built shortly afterwards to celebrate her motherhood.
As a papal basilica, Santa Maria Maggiore is often used by the pope. The Holy Father presides over the rites for the annual Feast of the Assumption of Mary on 15th August. Except for a few priests and the basilica’s archpriest, the canopied high altar is reserved for use by the pope alone.
Today our Cathedral, as a fellow basilica and a place of Marian devotion, will celebrate the Memorial at our 9am & 12pm Masses.
Our Lady, Mother of God, Ora Pro Nobis
Memorial of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major – St Mary’s Cathedral Schedule
9am Mass of the Memorial of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major (livestreamed);
11am-12noon Sacrament of Confession;
12noon Mass of the Memorial of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major;
4:30pm-5:30pm Sacrament of Confession;
5:30pm First Vespers of the Transfiguration of the Lord;
6pm Vigil Mass of the Transfiguration of the Lord;