By JACurran at English Wikipedia
According to an ancient tradition in Rome, during the reign of Pope Liberius in the 4th century, the Blessed Virgin appeared to a patrician named John. She told him she wanted a church to be built in her honor. It was to be built on the spot upon which she caused a miraculous fall of snow in the summer. In 352, John built and endowed the church during the reign of Pope Liberius (352-366). Thus it came to be called the Liberian Basilica. Around the year 335, Pope Sixtus III enlarged and consecrated it under the title of the Virgin Mary. It bears the title St. Mary Major because it is the first church in Rome to be dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. The holy crib of Bethlehem is preserved in this church so it also bears the title of Sancta Maria ad praesepe (at the crib). It is one of three churches in which the Pope officiates on certain occasions. An altar is reserved for use only by the Pope. The other churches are St. Peter’s and St. John Lateran.
FEAST DAY: August 5
POPES’ WRITINGS
Responsorial Psalm
The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.
QUIZ
Yesterday’s Answer-
(c) Laity
Today’s Question-
What is a title of the Church made popular by Vatican II to indicate a gathering of all God’s faithful? (a) rock of Gibraltar (b) people of God (c) temple of the Holy Spirit
