Goddess gave way for Mary

Editor's note: Fifth in a series on the sacred places and tombs of saints included in The Compass pilgrimage to Rome and Paris that retired Green Bay Bishop Robert Banks will lead May 3-13. (More information)

By Tony Staley

	St. Mary Major Basilica What: One of Rome's major basilicas; the most important church dedicated to Mary When: 4th century Where: Esquiline Hill, Rome Feast: Aug. 5

The first day of touring in Rome will include St. Mary Major Basilica, one of Rome's four major basilicas, and the most important church in the world to be dedicated to the Blessed Virgin.

Despite an earthquake in 1348 and numerous renovations and expansions, the basilica on the Esquiline (one of Rome's seven hills), is the oldest in Rome.

Pope Liberius (352-66) built the original basilica in 358. Legend says the site was chosen after Mary promised a miracle when she appeared in a dream to both him and a rich couple eager to donate their wealth to the church. When snow fell on the Esquiline Hill the night of Aug. 5, 358, the pope drew the foundation lines for the church.

This story, however, did not surface until centuries later, so it is questionable. Still, the basilica was formerly called Our Lady of the Snows and the feast of its dedication is still celebrated on Aug. 5 by dropping white rose petals from its dome into the church below.

History indicates that Pope Liberius probably chose the site because a group of Arian barbarian troops were living on the Esquiline Hill and the pope avidly opposed the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Jesus. Thus, he sought to foster devotion to Mary to counter their beliefs.

By the time of Pope Sixtus III (432-440), there were no traces of the Liberian Basilica, but Sixtus had his own reasons for building a basilica on or near the site of the previous one.

A temple on the hill dedicated to Juno Lucina, the Roman mother goddess, was still attracting pregnant women. A church dedicated to the Virgin Mother of God would be a way to end that pagan custom. Some marble columns still in St. Mary Major came from that temple, which was about 300 yards away.

In addition, the Council of Ephesus (431) defined Theotokos (Greek for "Bearer of God") as the proper title of Mary, Mother of the Son of God made Man.

In the 12th century, a new façade was added to the church that Sixtus had built. It was then hidden in 1743 when Pope Benedict XIV constructed the current façade. In the 14th century, a 240-foot bell tower - the tallest in Rome - was built.

Numerous art works were added over the years, including a 5th century Christian mosaic and a crib-shaped crystal reliquary containing pieces of wood which tradition says were part of the manger where Jesus was laid.

Pope John Paul II added a new rose window in 1995 and a new Holy Door and a museum in 2001.

Ever year, the pope presides at the Mass for the Assumption (Aug. 15) in the basilica at an altar reserved for him. With papal permission, a few other priests and the archpriest - currently Cardinal Bernard Law - charged with care of the basilica, may also use that altar.

(Staley is a retired editor of The Compass.)

Next: St. Mary of the Angels, Assisi