In the early Church, churches were named after cities or the leaders of the community — for example, the church of Corinth or the church that meets in the home of Priscilla and Aquila. Eventually, Christians decided to name their churches after great saints like Mary, John the Baptizer, Peter, Paul, etc. Think of a group of Christians you share with. Does this group need a better name? Maybe you go to the Wednesday night Bible study, Knoxville Catholic High School, or a prayer group that meets at Don and Carol's home. Because of your relationship with Jesus and love for His mother, you may be inspired to ask your fellow members to name the group after Mary. If they confirm your inspiration, you name the group Mary's Bible Study, or High School, or Prayer Group, etc. If this is the first time you've ever done such a thing, the group will be Mary Major (meaning first). If you go through this process of naming a group of Christians after Mary, you will understand how the Spirit worked in building and naming the church of Mary Major. You will experience the love of Jesus for His mother Mary and understand why we celebrate throughout the world today the dedication of the church of Saint Mary Major.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert J. Buschmiller, February 17, 1998

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 25, 1998