GENAZZANO, Italy (AP) — The month of May is dedicated to Marian celebrations, so here’s a look at the history and traditions about Mary and why praying to her means so much to so many.

To complement the informative text and videos, a scripture study text is included to provide an optional prayer experience of St. Mary of Magdala as portrayed in the Gospels. This course has an ...

Pope Francis will be buried in St. Mary Major church, not Saint Peter's ... "We know that you can take care of us," Francis said during his prayers. Seven other popes are buried at St. Mary Major.

St. Mary Major is the oldest still-standing sanctuary dedicated to that, said Giuseppa Falanga, professor of liturgy at Pontificia Universita della Santa Croce in Rome.

Two mothers who went to morning Mass on a recent weekday at the Genazzano chapel — where the Mary icon stands — said they pray their children, ranging in age from 18 to 24, will keep the faith.