It’s only fitting that the largest Marian church in Rome should house the most important Marian icon: we’re talking about Santa Maria Maggiore—commonly called St. Mary Major or Our Lady of Snows.
The basilica’s glorious medieval and Baroque styling might lead you to think that the current structure is a fairly recent construction, but this giant edifice dates from 434 A.D.
Its history began around 350, when the miraculous snowfall in August occurred. In obedience to this unique request from the Blessed Mother, the first church was built under the direction of Pope Liberius.
When it was finished, Liberius selected a famous icon from the papal oratory and enshrined it in the new building. This icon was none other than the “Salus Populi Romani” (“Health of the Roman People”), legendarily created by St. Luke himself.
Less than 100 years later, Pope Sixtus III renovated and enlarged the first church. This is what stands today, although most of its 5th-century-ness is masked by the additions and embellishments of ensuing eras.
Perhaps the last addition to Santa Maria Maggiore was the Pauline Chapel, finished in 1613. An exquisite composition of early Baroque architecture, it is a fitting home for the icon whose history is so blended with the foremost Marian basilica.
Reminiscent of the mystical ethereality of the Salus Populi Romani, the Madonna of Tenderness Icon displays our Blessed Mother reciprocating the tender embraces of her Divine Son. Bring this lovely icon into your home, where its presence will encourage you to confide in the sweet protection of the Madonna. Get your icon today from The Catholic Company!
