Since December 1953, Pontiffs have visited the monument annually and offered a bouquet of flowers at the base of the column with help of Roman firemen commemorating the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

The Corinthian column itself was sculpted in ancient Rome, and was discovered in 17 September 1777 during the construction of the monastery for the Benedictine Order of Santa Maria della Concezione in Campo Marzio located in the area, the site of the former Campus Martius.

[1] At the base are four statues of Hebrew figures that gave portent of the virgin birth, each accompanied by a quote of a biblical verse in Latin, including: In 1922, a replica of the column was raised on the campus of University of Saint Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois, United States.

Traditionally, the Pope places a bouquet of white roses at the base of the column and prays for her intercession to help all people in their suffering and struggles.

[3] Pope Pius XII began the tradition of sending a basket of flowers every year to be placed at the base of the column.