On August 5, the Church celebrates the dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, one of the four papal basilicas in Rome. According to tradition, the basilica was built after the Blessed Virgin Mary directed a Roman couple to build a church where they would find fresh snow in the heat of summer. The event, known as the Miracle of the Snow, is commemorated each year on August 5 with a shower of white rose petals cascading from the basilica's ceiling. The church also houses treasured relics and papal tombs, making it one of the most beloved Catholic churches. EWTN News' Brian Schumacher has more.

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Thumbnail Photo: Interior of the Basilica of St. Mary Major (Photo: Madrugada Verde) Copyright (c) 2015 Madrugada Verde/Shutterstock.