Pilgrim Blog 16 - Basilica of St Mary Major, Rome

This is one of the four major basilicas in Rome, all with Holy Doors. The others being St Peter’s, St John Lateran, and St Paul outside the walls.
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In the mid-4th century, the then pope received a dream containing a request from Mary, mother of Jesus, for a church to be built in her honour at a place that would be pointed out to him. Then in the hottest part of the year snow falls in Rome – that’s the place. On the anniversary of that fall of snow in 434 AD this heaven-requested basilica was consecrated. On that anniversary, 5 August, the Church continues to celebrate the optional memorial of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
 
Close up of apse and altar area

Vincent Cavanagh ©2023

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It is truly breathtaking when you walk in for the first time.
The mosaics you can see here date from the 5th century.
 
Main body of the nave, facing the entrance.

Vincent Cavanagh ©2023

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From this photo you can see that the basilica is built in the very early basilica shape: long nave, colonnades giving entry to side naves, and a large apse. The opulent parts you can see date mostly from the 16th and 17th centuries.
 
Where we had Mass today

Vincent Cavanagh ©2023

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This chapel is officially known as the Borghese Chapel, and its major focal point is the beloved icon of Mary, Salus Populi Romani – Salvation of the people of Rome.
Mass was (low style) Ad Orientem, since the altar is attached to the wall, and not free-standing, the bishop and priests offered Mass with their backs to us.
 
Close up Salus Populi Romani

Vincent Cavanagh ©2023

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The reason the icon bears this name is due to a miracle that saved the people of Rome from plague. Later in history, Pope St Pius V gathered the people of God around this icon to pray the rosary begging God for victory in the battle of Lepanto. To commemorate that victory each year the Church celebrates the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary on 7 October. More recently, Pope St John Paul II commissioned a copy of this icon to accompany the World Youth Day Cross around the world. Many recent popes have prayed before this icon to seek the intercession of Mary, mother of Jesus, as they begin their apostolic journeys around the world.
 
Exterior

Vincent Cavanagh ©2023

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The large pillar at the front topped with a Marian statue, and the very tall bell tower behind the basilica of St Mary Major are its distinguishing exterior features. Which is important, because after a while all these big, wonderful churches start to look the same from the outside – especially when you are visiting four churches in one day.
 
 
Vincent Cavanagh   #bbwyd
29 Jul 2023, 7.07pm Italy | 30 Jul 2023, 3.07am Sydney

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