Hello John,
Today's Saint of the Day highlights the historical significance of St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome. This ancient church, with its richly woven legends and deep ties to the early Christian faith, stands as a testament to the enduring devotion to Mother Mary. St. Mary Major's profound history and spiritual significance continue to inspire countless believers around the world. If you find these daily reflections inspiring, please consider supporting the valuable work of Franciscan Media by making a donation today. Your contribution helps us spread the timeless message of faith, hope, and love to a global audience. Thank you for your continued generosity to support our mission. Donate today! |
With prayers and blessings, |
Fr. Dan Kroger, OFM
Franciscan Media CEO and St. Anthony Messenger Publisher [email protected] |
Saint of the Day for August 5: Dedication of Saint Mary Major Basilica (Completed in 1743)
The Story of the Dedication of Saint Mary Major Basilica First raised at the order of Pope Liberius in the mid-fourth century, the Liberian basilica was rebuilt by Pope Sixtus III shortly after the Council of Ephesus affirmed Maryâs title as Mother of God in 431. Rededicated at that time to the Mother of God, St. Mary Major is the largest church in the world honoring God through Mary. Standing atop one of Romeâs seven hills, the Esquiline, it has survived many restorations without losing its character as an early Roman basilica. Its interior retains three naves divided by colonnades in the style of Constantineâs era. Fifth-century mosaics on its walls testify to its antiquity. St. Mary Major is one of the four Roman basilicas known as patriarchal churches in memory of the first centers of the Church. St. John Lateran represents Rome, the See of Peter; St. Paul Outside the Walls, the See of Alexandria, allegedly the see presided over by Mark; St. Peterâs, the See of Constantinople; and St. Maryâs, the See of Antioch, where Mary is supposed to have spent most of her later life. One legend, unreported before the year 1000, gives another name to this feast: Our Lady of the Snows. According to that story, a wealthy Roman couple pledged their fortune to the Mother of God. In affirmation, she produced a miraculous summer snowfall and told them to build a church on the site. The legend was long celebrated by releasing a shower of white rose petals from the basilicaâs dome every August 5. Reflection Theological debate over Christâs nature as God and man reached fever pitch in Constantinople in the early fifth century. The chaplain of Bishop Nestorius began preaching against the title Theotokos, âMother of God,â insisting that the Virgin was mother only of the human Jesus. Nestorius agreed, decreeing that Mary would henceforth be named âMother of Christâ in his see. The people of Constantinople virtually revolted against their bishopâs refutation of a cherished belief. When the Council of Ephesus refuted Nestorius, believers took to the streets, enthusiastically chanting, âTheotokos! Theotokos!â
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Discover this updated classic! Murray Bodoâs heartfelt and honest reflections through the changing seasons of life help unlock the dynamism of prayer, awakening our hearts to sing and be lifted in flight by Godâs grace. Song of the Sparrow: Four Seasons of Prayer |
Eyes Affixed on God Our lives are a forgetting and a remembering. A rhythm that follows us relentlessly till death. We are alive, doing things, and we try to forget the fears and anxieties about the future which paralyze us in the present and make us dead and inactive. We are people who hope and believe, and so we try to remember the good that God has done for us. We recall Godâs faithfulness and care, and we become men and women of the future who dare to act because we forget our failures and remember Godâs action in our every thought and deed. We stay sane because our eyes are on God who loves us and proves it when we dare to live for God. If we remember to remember God, we find our lives are meaningful and free. âfrom the book Song of the Sparrow: Four Seasons of Prayer
by Murray Bodo, OFM |
Explore this timeless classic from Murray Bodo, OFM Song of the Sparrow: Four Seasons of Prayer |
No Gold Medals for Prayer Reflect As athletes from around the world gather to compete in this yearâs Summer Olympics, weâre reminded that much of our lives is driven by competition: for jobs, resources, even in our relationships. What a relief it is to turn to prayer amid the rat race and âkeeping up with the Joneses.â However, the temptation can sometimes be to treat prayer as a competition, of sorts, by thinking that if we just âpray harderâ or âpray better,â weâll somehow be closer to God or a better person of faith. Even in the spiritual exercise that is prayer, we need Godâs help to let go so that we can truly immerse ourselves in Godâs healing presence. Pray God,
I spend so much time comparing myself to others,
Speculating over their various perceived faults or superpowers.
Help me to put a stop to that toxic way of thinking,
And remind me in your gentle way that lifeâs not about winners and losers,
Or who âdeservesâ to be awarded and who doesnât.
May I find the grace to detach from my ego
And begin to walk the path of prayer with sincerity and newfound hope.
Amen. Act Prayer, though not a sport, does take practice. Fortunately, there are many âcoachesâ and âtrainersâ in our Catholic tradition who can help. From St. Augustine (âLate have I loved you, Beauty so ancient and so newâ) to Padre Pio, who reminded us to âPray, hope, and donât worry,â we are a Google search away from guidance from the masters of the form. Today's Pause+Pray was written by Daniel Imwalle. Learn more here! |
Day One: St. Clare's Revolution As Sister Margaret Carney explains, Clare of Assisi was a pioneer, a revolutionary, and a born leader. |
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