Overview

• August 5 marks the feast of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, one of the oldest devotions to the Virgin Mary.
• Tradition holds that a summer snowfall in 358 signaled the site for the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, now a major papal church.
• Each year the faithful reenact the miracle by throwing white rose petals under the basilica’s vaulted ceiling.
• The liturgical calendar also commemorates San Emigdio, San Casiano de Autún, Santa Nonna, San París de Teano and San Abel of Lobbes.
• Catholic communities observe onomástica with name-day celebrations honoring the saints of August 5.