Our Lady
Our Lady of Loreto
Title of the Blessed Virgin Mary · Feast December 10
Mary honored in the Holy House of Loreto, revered as the home of Nazareth where the Annunciation took place and the Word became flesh.
Origin
Since the late thirteenth century the small stone Holy House has been venerated at Loreto in Italy as the dwelling of the Holy Family; the shrine became one of Christendom's great pilgrimage sites, and Our Lady of Loreto is the patroness of aviators.
Why it matters
The title draws the faithful to the mystery of the Incarnation in the very setting of Nazareth, honoring Mary as the dwelling place prepared for the Son of God.
Feast day
December 10