St Mary Major - Christmas in March

Friday we had a tour of the Basilica of St. Mary Major, led by Monsignor McInerny, one of the canonist of the church.  He explained the history of the church and took us places within the church that few visitors see, including the Borghese crypt where two Popes are buried.  Yet, the highlight of the visit was praying before the wood of the manager where Christ was born.  I do not care who believes in these relics or not; it does not even matter if it is the holy relic, but what I do believe it is, either way, the focus of prayer before the manager humbles one to love God more. Just think the One who is all powerful, who died for our sins, who rose from the dead, who sends His Spirit upon us was born in a humble place, in the wood for feeding animals of poor parents who were far from home.  As we stood and sang Silent Night, I was again reminded of the depth of God's love for us.  This completes our tours of the four major Basilicas.