Notizie

For the first time in history, the venerated Sword of Saint Michael will leave the ancient Grotto of Monte Sant’Angelo to cross Italian borders and travel to Paraguay for an official visit from October 9 to 19, 2026.

This event, of extraordinary spiritual and cultural significance, stems from a joint initiative by the Embassy of Paraguay to the Holy See, the Archdiocese of Asunción, and the Sanctuary in the Gargano region, with the aim of entrusting all the families of the South American nation to the protection of the Archangel.

The visit holds special significance as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the Michaelite Fathers in Paraguay—marking half a century of presence, dedication, and invaluable pastoral service rendered by the religious community in the Latin American country.

For this historic pilgrimage, the Sanctuary’s official delegation will consist of the Rector, Father Ladislao Suchy, and the Vice-Rector, Father Marco Arciszewski.

The highlight of the visit will take place on Friday, October 9, at 7:00 PM at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Asunción. There, a solemn ceremony will be celebrated to consecrate the Archdiocese—which bears the Archangel’s name—and the entire Paraguayan people to the Prince of the Angels. The celebration will be attended by the Catholic Primate, Cardinal Adalberto Martínez; the President of the Republic of Paraguay, Santiago Peña; and the nation’s highest religious and civil authorities.

The Sword—leaving Italian territory for the first time to be welcomed in another country—will thus serve as a sign of special closeness between the “Celestial Basilica” and the Church in Paraguay.

As Cardinal Martínez emphasized, the Sword represents “an Italian cultural treasure, and through its presence in Paraguay, it becomes a sign by which to entrust oneself to the protection of Saint Michael the Archangel.” He added that “its arrival will stand as a sign of blessing, guardianship, and hope for the Paraguayan people.” During the ten-day visit, the weapon of the Defender of God will be taken to various locations for moments of prayer, celebrations, and veneration.

The full schedule of stops, celebrations, and pastoral events will be announced soon by the Archdiocese of Asunción.