Pope Francis Prays for Peace at Basilica of St. Mary Major
Recently, Pope Francis made a special visit to the Basilica of St. Mary Major to commemorate the dedication of the papal basilica and offer prayers for peace in our turbulent world.
By Christopher Wells
On the feast of its dedication each year, Saint Mary Major hosts a grand ceremony where thousands of white flower petals descend from the gilded ceiling, symbolizing the miraculous snowfall that inspired the construction of the basilica.
Legend has it that on the evening of August 4-5, 358, the Virgin Mary appeared to Pope Liberius and a devout Roman couple, instructing them to build a church where a miraculous snowfall would occur in the peak of summer. The next morning, an outline of the basilica was visible in the newly fallen snow.
This year, Pope Francis himself honored the occasion by participating in the liturgical celebration of Second Vespers for the feast of the Dedication of the Church.
A Symbol of Grace
In his sermon, Pope Francis marveled at the grace and wonder of the miraculous snowfall, describing it as a symbol of beauty and unconditional grace. He emphasized that grace cannot be earned or bought but only received as a gift. “Grace is unpredictable, like a midsummer snowfall in Rome,” the Pope remarked.
The central feature of the basilica is the Icon of Mary, “Salus Populi Romani,” symbolizing the Salvation of the Roman people. Pope Francis highlighted the simplicity and purity of this icon, representing Mary and the Child, embodying grace and divinity.
Invoking the Blessed Virgin Mary
Pope Francis urged the faithful to seek the intercession of the Holy Mother of God, who mediates grace through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. He referred to the pilgrims present at the feast as a vanguard for the upcoming Holy Year of Jubilee, imploring Mary’s help for Rome and the world.
Specifically, the pilgrims prayed for true peace, stemming from repentance, forgiveness, and the sacrificial love of Christ. Pope Francis encouraged the crowd to seek peace from the Cross and the Blood of Christ, shed for the forgiveness of sins.
‘Holy Mother of God, pray for us’
Concluding his homily, Pope Francis invoked the Blessed Virgin Mary with the words of St. Cyril of Alexandria, honoring her role as the bearer of light and the vessel of the divine. He prayed, “Holy Mother of God, pray for us,” recognizing Mary’s unique connection to the source of grace and peace.
