Memorial of the Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major – 5th August 2023

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 ...