Pope Francis Joins Rome’s Annual Celebration of the Miraculous Snowfall at St. Mary Major Basilica

This August, Rome will once again celebrate a miraculous event from the fourth century that led to the construction of the renowned St. Mary Major Basilica.

This annual event, known for its stunning display of white rose petals falling from the basilica’s ceiling, commemorates a miraculous snowfall that occurred on August 5, 358 A.D.

The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis will join in this year’s celebration of the “Miracle of the Snow.”

He will attend vespers at St. Mary Major Basilica on the evening of August 5 to witness this unique Roman tradition.

This event not only marks the anniversary of the miracle but also highlights the rich historical and spiritual significance of the basilica.

The Miracle of the Snow

The tradition stems from a remarkable story where the Virgin Mary appeared in a dream to both a nobleman named John and Pope Liberius (352–366).

In their dreams, Mary foretold an August snowfall and requested that a church be built on the site of this miraculous event.

Following the snowfall, Pope Liberius laid the foundation for what would become St. Mary Major Basilica.

A Church Rebuilt

After the Council of Ephesus in 431 declared Mary to be the mother of God, Pope Sixtus III (432–440) undertook the reconstruction of the basilica.

Today, St. Mary Major stands as a testament to this divine event and the enduring faith it inspired.

Join Pope Francis and the faithful in celebrating this beautiful tradition, as the falling rose petals symbolize the miraculous snow and the enduring presence of the Virgin Mary in the heart of Rome.