The Blessed Mother appeared to John and his
wife telling them she wanted a basilica built
on the Esquiline Hillon the exact spot that
she would designate with snow. Our Lady
also appeared to Pope Liberius giving him
the same information. The following morning,
the 5th of August, people were surprised to
see a snowy carpet, the snow crystals
sparkling in the sun on the Esquiline.
The happy couple rushed to the scene, as
did Pope Liberius in solemn procession.
History tells us the snow covered the exact
space for the basilica. After staking off
the site, the snow disappeared.