Memorial of Our Lady of Loreto

Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024

Location: Optional Memorial

A record dating from 1465 states that during the night of Dec. 9-10, 1294 the Holy House of Loreto was discovered on the very hill where it still stands. The holy house is the origin of the Marian devotion found at the shrine of Loreto, a reminder of the mystery of the Incarnation and of the Gospel example of the Holy Family of Nazareth.

Many popes have bestowed their apostolic attention on the shrine of the Virgin of Loreto, whom Benedict XV proclaimed the patron of those traveling by air. Indeed, the Litany of Loreto has spread throughout the entire Church. Pope Francis added this feast to the liturgical calendar in 2019. Find this saint on the 2024 Share Your Light Advent Calendar.