The Shrine of Monte Gargano -
15th Centenary
Br. John Raymond
In Old Testament times St. Michael was the Guardian of the Hebrew
nation. It was he who guided them through the desert in the days of
Moses. Even to this day the Jews invoke St Michael as the principal
defender of the Synagogue and their protector against their enemies.
In the New Testament times churches were dedicated to St. Michael
as far back as 494. During the time of Pope St. Gregory the Great
(540-604) a deadly disease broke out in Rome. The Pope ordered a
penitential procession. When they arrived at the bridge crossing the
Tiber River all heard the songs of angels in the skies. At the same
time St. Michael appeared above the castle of San Angelo putting his
sword back into its scabbard. The disease simultaneously came to a
halt.
Further south in Italy on Monte Gargano is the most ancient and
venerable shrine to St. Michael. In the year 492 Manfredonia was
being attacked by enemy troops. The Bishop, Lorenzo Majorano,
succeeded in gaining a truce of three days. But the town's defeat
seemed inevitable.
Although the walls of the town were damaged and in need of
repair, rather than worry about this means of defense, the people
begged God's warrior, St. Michael the Archangel, to help them
against the enemy. On the third day St. Michael appeared on the top
of Monte Gargano with a drawn sword. Immediately a terrible storm
arose, the earth quaked and the sea roared. Encouraged by this
Heavenly aid the townspeople went out to attack the enemy and put
them to flight.
As a sign of thanksgiving the Bishop resolved to build a shrine
to St. Michael. Where to build it? The Bishop took the following
incident as a sign: A runaway bull dashed up the mountain and stood
still outside a cave in the rock. St. Michael the Archangel appeared
to the Bishop and said the cave was where the shrine should be
built. Bishop Lorenzo and six other Bishops walked up the mountain
in solemn procession. It was September 29th. Seven eagles hovered
above the Bishops on their way up. On entering the cave, to their
surprise, they found an altar covered with a cloth. Above the altar
was a cross of clear crystal rock. Before the altar was a footprint
in the stone. The Bishops together exclaimed "here the angel has
stood."
This unique shrine has been visited by saints and Popes
throughout its history. St. Francis of Assisi, out of his great
reverence for the holiness of the site, would not even dare to enter
the cave. To this day pilgrims still flock to visit this shrine.
Prayer
St. Michael, the Archangel! Glorious Prince, chief and champion
of the heavenly hosts; guardian of the souls of men; conqueror of
the rebel angels! How beautiful you are in your heavenly armor. We
love you, dear Prince of Heaven!
We yearn to enjoy your special protection. Obtain for us from God
a share of your sturdy courage; pray that we may have a strong and
tender love for our Redeemer and, in every danger or temptation, be
invincible against the enemy of our souls. O standard-bearer of our
salvation! Be with us in our last moments and when our souls quit
this earthly exile, carry them safely to the judgement seat of
Christ, and may Our Lord and Master bid you to bear us speedily to
the Kingdom of eternal bliss. Teach us ever to repeat your sublime
cry: "Who is like unto God?" Amen.