A Tour of Roman Churches

• Dedicated in 434 AD to Mary, Mother of God

• Houses the Icon of Mary, Salus Populi Romani (Health of the Roman People)
• Icon is from Crete, received in Rome in 590 AD
• Re-painted in the 12th century.
• A favorite of Pope Francis, who visits the icon before and after every overseas trip.

• Mary wears red (for her humanity) covered in blue (for her gift of sharing in Christ’s divinity).
• Christ wears red for having taken on humanity.

Questions for St. Austin Staff:

What lessons can we learn from having overcome past plagues and pandemics?

How can we embrace the layers of our tradition in our parish redevelopment?