Answer: In August, 358 the Virgin Mary appeared in a dream to a patrician named John, telling him to build a church at a location where it snowed. The Pope also had a dream in which the Virgin Mary inspired the building of the church on Esquiline Hill. The next morning, the Esquiline Hill of Rome was entirely covered with snow. Thus, the church of Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major) was built where the snow had fallen.

If you've ever been to Rome in August, you know it doesn't snow much at that time of year!


Santa Maria Maggiore
Vending Stamp - V3 (2000)