Notizie

The legend of the founding of the Sanctuary of Saint Michael is contained in the “Liber de apparitione sancti Michaelis in monte Gargano.”

The story consists of three events, known as the “bull,” the “battle,” and the “consecration,” which highlight key moments in Michael’s history: the overcoming of paganism (first episode); the beginning of the cult of the Archangel (third episode); and the beginning of the bond between the Heavenly Prince and the Lombards, following the victory over the Byzantines on May 8th.

In preparation for the Feast of the Apparitions, the novena began at the end of April. It represents a time of grace, characterized particularly by prayer and reflection; a fruitful spiritual opportunity to welcome and embody the message of the Heavenly Prince, namely, the recognition of the primacy of God in the life of every believer.

This year, the meditations that marked the nine days were offered by St. Michael, Fr. Marco Arciszewski. He drew inspiration from the Beatitudes and led the faithful along a journey that, through the example of several witnesses to the faith, charted the path that leads to true joy and holiness.

On May 8th, in an atmosphere of great solemnity, the Dies Festus, the liturgical feast in honor of the heavenly Patron, was celebrated.

Despite its weekday date, the Basilica was the destination of numerous pilgrimages, from individual devotees and, above all, from the residents of Monte Sant’Angelo.

The Divine Eucharist at 10:30 a.m. was presided over by Msgr. Franco Moscone and concelebrated by the St. Michael Fathers, the city’s parish priests, and a large number of diocesan priests. In his homily, the Archbishop emphasized the significance of the Feast as the origin of the spread of the cult of St. Michael throughout the world and cited St. Francis, a great venerator of the Archangel, a model of humility, and a herald of peace, who came as a pilgrim to the Sacred Grotto in the first two decades of the 13th century.

The city authorities were also present.

The evening Mass was presided over by the Provincial Superior of the Italy-Switzerland Congregation of St. Michael the Archangel, Fr. Raffaele Gadek.