Project BLACK MAMBA

Today is the optional memorial of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major (c. 352-366): Our Lady of the Snows-link ūna, Our Lady of the Snows-link duae, & Wikipedia-link.

Commentary: Quoth the bulletin:

According to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared in a dream to two faith Roman Christians, the patrician John & his wife, as well as to Pope Liberius (r. 352-366), asking that a church be built in her honor on the site where snow would fall on the night of August 4-5. Liberius traced the outlines of the church in the snow & the first basilica was built on that site.

Scripture of the Day
Personal Reading
The Second Letter to the Corinthians, chapter six.

Mass Readings
The Book of Numbers, chapter thirteen, verses one & two, twenty-five thru chapter fourteen, verses one, twenty-six thru twenty-nine(A), thirty-four & thirty-five;
Psalm One Hundred Six, verses six thru seven(A,B), thirteen & fourteen, twenty-one thru twenty-three;
The Gospel according to Matthew, chapter fifteen, verses twenty-one thru twenty-eight.