Pope Francis to Grace Rome Celebrations Honoring Miracle Snowfall in August
Rome is set to commemorate La Madonna della Neve (Our Lady of the Snows) with a magical recreation of a snowfall outside the Basilica di S. Maria Maggiore in the midst of summer.
The grand event, backed by the capital and the Italian culture ministry, will take place in Piazza di S. Maria Maggiore on Monday, 5th August at 9:00 PM.
The extraordinary snowfall and captivating light show, coupled with an enchanting performance by the Carabinieri band, will result in temporary traffic diversions in the vicinity that night.
Pope Francis in Attendance
The special Mass, including a flurry of white flower petals descending from above – also repeated during Vespers at 5:30 PM – is a renowned tradition held at the basilica on 5th August.
Excitingly, this year, Pope Francis himself will grace the ceremony at 5:30 PM, as confirmed by the Vatican, and full details can be accessed on the Basilica di S. Maria Maggiore website.
Since ascending to the papacy, Francis has paid more than a hundred visits to the fifth-century papal basilica where he devoutly prays before and after his trips abroad in front of the icon of ‘Maria Salus Populi Romani’.
The pontiff recently disclosed his desire to be laid to rest in this basilica, asserting that his tomb is “already prepared.”
Symbolism of Snowfall
Legend has it that a Roman couple from the fourth century wished to bestow their riches to the church and sought divine guidance through prayer.
On the night of 4th to 5th August in the year 352, the Virgin Mary appeared to the couple, revealing in a vision that a miraculous snowfall would designate the location for the construction of a new church.
That same fateful night, a mystical shower of snow mysteriously blanketed a hill in the Esquiline district of Rome.
It is said that Pope Liberius journeyed to the snow-covered area, outlining the proposed church that was subsequently built with funds from the generous couple.
While the tale lacks historical substantiation, the event is commemorated annually with the surreal display of simulated snow-like foam and suds descending from the heavens.
Cover photo La Repubblica
