Notizie

The month of September celebrates the precious Feast of Saint Michael and all the Archangels: this liturgical event, celebrated by the universal Church, takes on an even more significant meaning for the Shrine and the City of Monte Sant’Angelo, who venerate the Angelic Prince as their patron and defender.

An intense spiritual journey prepared the faithful to worthily experience the Solemnity of September 29th.

From September 19th to 27th, the novena took place: nine days during which Camillian Father Alfredo Tortorella offered reflections on the theme “The Angelic Choirs: a Path to Holiness and a Message of Hope for the Church and the Contemporary World.”

In keeping with a happy and consolidated tradition, various ecclesial communities participated in the services, animating the various liturgical moments.

The Celebrations opened on September 28th.

In the morning, the Eucharistic celebration was presided over by His Excellency the Most Reverend Domenico D’Ambrosio, Archbishop Emeritus of Lecce and former Pastor of the Diocese of Gargano.

In the late afternoon, another prelate, a “mountain dweller” by birth, officiated the Sacred Mysteries: His Excellency the Most Reverend Giuseppe Piemontese, Bishop Emeritus of Terni-Narni-Amelia. This celebration, which takes place on the eve of the Solemnity, holds a very special meaning: through the presentation of the gifts of earth and candles (the “ceremony”) by the municipal administrative bodies, the entire Monte Sant’Angelo entrusts itself to its Patron Saint and lights an imaginary votive candle to him to ask for protection and vigilance.

The Dies Festus of September 29, despite falling at the beginning of the week, was attended by a large number of faithful and devotees, both local and from various parts of Italy and around the world.

The Divine Eucharist at 10:30 a.m. was presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. The cardinal was joined by Archbishop Moscone, the Bishop of Piedmont, the Custodian Fathers of the Shrine, and the city clergy.

In the afternoon, the “rite of the sword” took place: the weapon of the Archangel, which represents the Word of God and is a symbol of justice and the fight against evil, was taken from the statue that dominates the Sacred Grotto and, together with the wooden statue of Saint Michael, was carried in procession through the streets of the city.

Upon the return of the sacred procession, His Excellency the Most Reverend Bishop Franco Moscone, Pastor of Manfredonia – Vieste – San Giovanni Rotondo, celebrated Holy Mass, the final spiritual chapter of the day.

September 30th is an occasion of thanksgiving: for the gift of the Heavenly Protector and for the conclusion of the festivities dedicated to him.

At 6:00 PM, His Excellency the Most Reverend Bishop Fabio Ciollaro, Bishop of Cerignola – Ascoli Satriano, presided over the Eucharist. The faithful and devotees will also be present, along with the employees, volunteers, collaborators, and benefactors of the sanctuary.