Pilgrimage Sunday: Santa Maria Maggiore

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Santa Maria Maggiore holds sway on the Esquiline Hill, overlooking the city. It is a wonderfully grand building, set apart from its surroundings by the piazza and the hill upon which it sits.

Legend has it that Pope Liberius received a vision in 358 and was told to build a church where the snow falls. A miracle snow did take place, and the Pope following his vision, built this church dedicated to Mary.

Inside the church is the manger of Christ.

The piazza is also the site of a large taxi stand, so if you need a taxi head to Santa Maria Maggiore.

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The Pilgrimage Churches of Rome:

Four Major Basilicas:

St. Peter's Basilica

St. Paul Outside the Walls

St. John Lateran

Santa Maria Maggiore

Additional Pilgrimage Churches:

St. Sebastian Outside the Walls

Holy Cross in Jerusalem

St. Laurence Outside the Walls

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Are you interested in seeing this?

• Yes!
• If there is time.
• It doesn't really call to me.

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