MANILA, Philippines — The Universal Church today celebrates the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, one of the four Papal Basilicas in Rome. This church, dedicated to the Blessed Mother under the title of “Our Lady of the Snows,” houses what tradition holds as the oldest Marian image in the world. According to tradition also, it was Mary herself who chose the site of the shrine through a miracle of snow falling on that particular area.

The Council of Ephesus had declared that Mary was the Mother of God – “Theotokos,” a Greek term which means “God-bearer.” This church, therefore, serves as a testament to the long-standing devotion of Christians to Mary, the Mother of God and the first disciple of her Son, Jesus Christ. It was to her that Jesus entrusted the care of his disciples and all those who wish to seek and find Him in the Christian community.

Today, as we celebrate this feast, we call to mind that although the church as the building serves as the house of God, the Church is the living sign of God’s presence in the world. The Church is the community of Christ-centered disciples who are called upon to be witnesses of God’s love and truth everywhere and at all times. This feast is an invitation for us once again to look up to Mary as our model and an example of all who wish to follow Christ faithfully.

As the first disciple of Jesus, she shows us how to keep the Word of Life in her heart, live it, and share it with others. Ours is the task not only of keeping the Word that saves but also of preaching it to others, especially to those who need it most.

May our celebration today make us aware that we are the living Church of Christ and that Mary the Mother of God is our model in following the way of the Lord. Truly, blessed is the o