Notizie

“Michael et Franciscus,” the extraordinary initiative that from the 25th to the 30th of last month inextricably linked the cities of Monte Sant’Angelo and Assisi, concluded at the end of June.

Thanks to the strong synergy between the Basilica and the municipal administration, this event celebrated two historic anniversaries: the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of Saint Francis and the 15th anniversary of the UNESCO recognition of the Sanctuary of St. Michael.

The heart of the project stems from the profound spiritual bond that united the Poor Man of Assisi and the Archangel: an admiration that transformed the days of the event into an event of faith, history, and culture.

Several highlights:

On June 26, the Bishop of Assisi – Nocera Umbra – Gualdo Tadino, Msgr. Felice Accrocca celebrated the solemn Eucharist alongside his counterpart from the Siponto-Gargano Diocese, Msgr. Franco Moscone; the Rector of the Celeste Basilica, Fr. Ladislao Suchy; the Custos of the Sacred Convent and the Rector of the Porziuncola in Assisi, Fr. Marco Moroni and Fr. Massimo Travascio; and the authorities of the two centers. At the end of the liturgy, after unveiling a commemorative plaque, the two delegations signed the renewal of the Pact of Friendship.

On June 27th, culture took center stage with the special opening of monuments and museums: the White Night of Cultural Heritage represented a unique opportunity for citizens and tourists to immerse themselves in the treasures housed in the TECUM museum circuit.

The welcome of the cloak of Saint Francis on June 28th was a moving experience. The relic traveled through the main streets of Monte Sant’Angelo before being enthroned in the Sacred Grotto, becoming a place of prayer and veneration for hundreds of faithful.

The program concluded on June 30 with the Pardon of Gargano. The spiritual and penitential journey connecting the two sacred sites of Saint Michael and Saint Pio was introduced by a reflection by Father Walter Insero, Professor at the Pontifical Gregorian University, focusing on the symbolic meaning of the “cloak” in the Sacred Scriptures. These meditative insights helped give meaning to the march that the numerous participants were preparing to undertake.

“Michael et Franciscus” was not just a celebration, but a confirmation that history and spirituality, when they meet, are capable of building lasting bridges between communities.