After some free time for lunch and visiting the Basilica of Saint John Lateran this afternoon, our pilgrims in Rome then traveled to Saint Mary Major Basilica to celebrate Mass this evening.
Saint Mary Major Basilica houses the most important Marian icon, the Salus Populi Romani. Tradition attributes the image to Saint Luke the Evangelist, the Patron Saint of painters. Pope Francis entrusted his Apostolic Journeys to the protection of the Salus Populi Romani, which he visited before every departure and after every return.
The relic of the Holy Crib, the manger in which Baby Jesus was laid to rest, highlights the importance of Saint Mary Major as the “Bethlehem of the West.”
Among the Basilica’s most important relics are the remains of Saint Matthew and Saint Jerome.
Several popes, including Pope Francis, are buried in the Basilica.
The pilgrims also enjoyed a group dinner at a local restaurant.
