31 MARCH - OUR MOTHER OF ALTAR OF HEAVEN

 St. Mary of the Altar of Heaven is the name of a Basilica in Rome. It dates to the 6th century, and is located on the highest point of Capitoline Hill, 

    on the site where a Sibyl is supposed to have prophesied to Emperor Augustus the birth of Christ. The name Altar of Heaven is based on how Augustus enjoyed a vision in which he 

    saw the Virgin and Child standing on an Altar of Heaven. A brilliant light shone forth from the sky; it churned and swirled, forming a halo. Within its center, Augustus saw 

    a most beautiful Mother with a Baby in her arms. She stood upon a splendid white Altar and her figure was surrounded by little Angels and from heaven a voice rang out, 

    “This is the promised young girl who will give a Savior to the world, and that is the Altar of the Son of God.” Overcome by the marvelous sight, Augustus fell to his knees, 

    with his forehead to the ground, remained a long time in silent adoration of the Mother and Child. He commanded that an Altar be erected on the Capitoline Hill dedicated to 

    the Only-Begotten Son of God and His Mother.




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