One of Rome's major churches houses Nativity relic

A part of the Nativity stone can be found at the Basilica de Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Italy.

According to a report by Susan Enriquez on GMA News' Unang Balita  on Monday, the relic was part of the manger where Jesus Christ was laid as a newborn.

Fr. Gregory Adolfo, a Filipino priest permanently assigned at the Basilica, said the church also acknowledges Virgin Mary as the Mother of God.

"Importante po ang Santa Maria Maggiore dahil sa devotion kay Mama Mary. Ito ang oldest church dedicated po sa kaniya. Kung bibisitahin, makikita mo rin ang kagandahan ng church na ito," said Adolfo, who has been staying at the Basilica since 2014.

Basilica de Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four major churches in Rome which was built by an emperor during the 15th century AD.

Chapel Paolina is located inside the Basilica wherein an image of the Virgin Mary can be found. It was believed to be painted by St. Luke. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KG, GMA News