Rome has the unique privilege of holding under its sprawling wings five Patriarchal Basilicas, which represent the five major centers of the early Church. Thus, 1) St. John Lateran represents Rome, the See of St. Peter; 2) St. Paul Outside the Walls, that of Alexandria; 3) St. Peter, that of Constantinople; 4) St. Lawrence, that of Jerusalem; 5) St. Mary Major, that of Antioch where the Blessed virgin Mary was believed to have lived for quite some time. The original Basilica of St. Mary Major was built by Pope Liberius on the Esquiline Hill around the year 360. He was a crusader against Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Christ and consequently the Divine Maternity. The holy Pontiff undertook this venture to counteract Arianism and to foster devotion to the Mother of God. A legend of the seventh century states that the site of the Church was miraculously shown to Pope Liberius and to a Roman couple in separate dreams and the day following the spot was identified by a large heap of snow on August 5, 258. Hence, this Basilica is also known as Our Lady of Snows. It is also often known as the Liberian Basilica.
In 431, the Council of Ephesus condemned Nestorian heresy and stated in unmistakable terms that Jesus Christ was truly God and truly man. Consequently, Mary being the mother of the divine person Jesus, she was truly the Mother of God. To prove this point to the ordinary people in a meaningful way, Pope Sixtus III rebuilt the original Basilica into a magnificent centre of worship with a series of mosaics depicting the Annunciation, Nativity, Adoration of the Infant Jesus by the Maji, Flight into Egypt etc. on the Triumphal Arch over the Main Altar. As per records, it is the largest church ever dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The process of repair, restoration and renovation constantly in progress is intended to ensure that the Basilica of St. Mary Major survive yet for another millennium or even more.
Reflection: The Basilica’s incredible magnitude, architectural beauty and artistic masterpieces underline the pre-eminence of the Blessed Virgin in the hearts of the Christians and of the Popes who sponsored its construction and embellishment.
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
(Lk.1:47-48)
