8/5/2026 WEDNESDAY FEAST OF THE DEDICATION OF THE BASILICA ST. MARY MAJOR, ROME

The Basilica of St. Mary Major is one of the oldest churches in Rome. It is the place that Pope Francis wished to be buried.

Religious buildings have always had a special spot in the human heart. If we took a tour of Europe, we would see a number of temples and other religious spots where people for thousands of years came to worship their gods. 

For us Christians, the word “CHURCH’ is derived from the Greek which is translated into the English word “gathering”. But for us it is more than a building which we “gather” in. WE are the CHURCH. We are the gathering. A gathering place can be in a gothic cathedral, or in someone’s living room. 

We need to remember that we, not a building is CHURCH. We are the Body of Christ here on this earth until He come once again in all of His Father’s glory.

Yes, we need a “place” to call home. We need a place where we can gather as God’s people. But let us not forget that WE are CHURCH!!

Peace and All Good,

Fr. Vinnie, osf and the

Bros and Srs of the 

Franciscan House of Prayer.

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