Affiliation with the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
One of the greatest blessings given to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse is its affiliation with two great Marian pilgrimage sites: the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, or St. Mary Major, in Rome.
In other words, by a special privilege granted by the Vatican, pilgrims visiting Our Lady’s Shrine in La Crosse can obtain the same graces that they would on a pilgrimage to either of the other sites.
Marian Devotion
The connection with the shrine in Mexico City is obvious. The Roman basilica may be less known in the United States, but has profound significance for Marian devotion in the universal Church.
Built in the fourth century A.D., it is considered the oldest and chief church dedicated to Our Lady in the Western world, “the Marian shrine par excellence,” in the words of the basilica’s own website. It is one of Rome’s four papal basilicas, along with St. Peter’s, St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, and St. John Lateran. It houses sacred treasures including the Salus Populi Romani (“Help of the Roman People”), a beloved, historic Marian icon; relics of Saint Jerome and Saint Matthew; and what is believed to be the manger of the Child Jesus.
Our Lady of the Snows
St. Mary Major is also sometimes called Our Lady of the Snows. According to an ancient story, a wealthy Roman couple wished to donate their property to the service of the Blessed Virgin, since they had no children to whom they could leave it. After praying for guidance, they saw Our Lady in a dream, requesting that a church be built on a place she would indicate. This indication came in the form of a miraculous snowfall, in the sweltering heat of a Roman August, on the Esquiline Hill where the basilica now stands.
Great Sanctuary
Throughout Church history the faithful have come to St. Mary Major to honor their Mother in her great sanctuary. In particular, Jubilee Years like this one encourage pilgrims to visit such a holy place. Catholics in the United States, most of whom will not be able to make an international pilgrimage, can also receive the benefits of such a pilgrimage at Our Lady’s Shrine in La Crosse. Any day is a good day to do so, but one especially graced occasion will be on Tuesday, August 5, when the Church commemorates the Dedication of St. Mary Major. All are invited to celebrate with the Shrine in person or in prayer.
