PAPAL BASILICA OF SAINT MARY MAJOR

PRESS RELEASE OF 30 JULY 2026

CELEBRATIONS UNDERWAY FOR THE ANNIVERSARY OF
THE DEDICATION OF THE PAPAL BASILICA OF SAINT MARY MAJOR
AND
THE TRADITIONAL SOLEMNITY OF OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS

With just a few days to go before the beginning of the solemn celebrations on the occasion of the anniversary of its dedication and of the Solemnity of Our Lady of the Snows, the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major invites everyone – faithful, residents and tourists alike – to participate in one of the capital’s most heartfelt historic and traditional festivals.

The festival will be preceded on 2, 3 and 4 August by a Triduum at 18.00.

On Wednesday 5, the anniversary of the dedication of the Basilica and the Solemnity of Our Lady of the Snows, the traditional “snowfall” returns in memory of the miraculous event that took place during the pontificate of Pope Liberius in 358 AD, when the Virgin Mary appeared to the Pope in a dream, asking him to build a basilica on the site she would indicate to him. That morning, the Esquiline Hill was covered in snow, and it was there that the church dedicated to the Virgin Mary was built, a place that still attracts worshippers and tourists from all over the world today.

There are two events marking one of the most iconic traditions in Rome: in the morning, during the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration at 10.00 presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Rolandas MAKRICKAS, Archpriest of the Basilica, and in the afternoon, at 17.00, the singing of Vespers presided over by His Excellency Bishop Luis Manuel ALÍ HERRERA, Vicar to the Archpriest.

The 10.00 Eucharistic Celebration will be broadcast on Telepace.

ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEDICATION OF THE PAPAL BASILICA OF SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE AND SOLEMNITY OF OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS 2026

PROGRAMME

2–3–4 August 2026 | Triduum at the Chapel of the Salus 18.00 Eucharistic Celebration

4 August | Vigil
At 17.00, Solemn Vespers presided over by Msgr. Ivan RICUPERO, Delegate for Pastoral Ministry
18.00 Eucharistic Celebration

5 August | Anniversary of the Dedication of the Basilica and Solemnity of Our Lady of the Snows
10.00 Solemn Capitular Eucharistic Celebration presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Rolandas MAKRICKAS, Archpriest of the Basilica, with a re-enactment of the Miracle of the Snow during the singing of the Magnificat.

The Holy Masses will be celebrated according to the festive timetable: 7.00, 8.00, 9.00, 10.00, 12.00 and 18.00.

Accreditation procedure

Journalists and media operators who wish to participate must apply, no later than 24 hours before the event, via the Holy See Press Office online accreditation system, at: press.vatican.va/accreditamenti.