Remembering the dedication of the basilica of St Mary Major

Today we remember the dedication of the basilica of St Mary Major, one of the four main basilicas of Rome. It was founded just after the Council of Ephesus in 431 when Mary was declared to be the Mother of God. It is the first and largest church in the world dedicated to Mary. it was my favourite church during the time I spent in Rome as it is the most central and is very devotional. Before Pope Francis goes on a world trip he always goes to Mary Major's to ask for the protection of Mary on his journey and after he returns he goes back to thank Mary. We can learn from him to ask Mary to intercede for us as we strive to live according to the teachings of Jesus. His lesson for us in today's gospel is clear. Jesus makes sure that his thousands of listeners have enough to eat (Matthew 14:13-21). Unfortunately today we know that there are millions of people in the world who do have have enough to eat because of wars, natural disasters and the selfish ambitions of political leaders. As we pray for the coming of God's Kingdom, let us not lose faith if our prayers do not seem to be answered immediately but rather let us place our confidence in Mary. May she help us to live our faith in her Son, Jesus, as we try ''to live and move and have our being in him'' (Acts 17:28)