Vatican news Pope Francis leads the recitation of a rosary for peace in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and prays that violence and hatred will be extinguished from human hearts. By Devin Watkins “Transform the hearts of those who fuel hatred, silence the din of weapons that generate death, extinguish the violence that simmers…
Vatican news Pope Francis makes a special visit to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major for the liturgical commemoration of the dedication of the papal basilica, and prays for peace in our war-torn world. By Christopher Wells Every year, on the feast of its dedication, Santa Maria Maggiore becomes the scene of an impressive ceremony,…
As the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Our Lady of the Snows, we explore the ancient tradition that connects Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome’s first Marian basilica, to the birthplace of Jesus Christ in the Holy Land. By Paolo Ondarza The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome owes its origin to a prodigious event: a…