A four hour drive south of Rome, Italy is a beautiful town called Monte Sant’Angelo overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Its quiet streets and white, rugged houses on the slopes of Monte Gargano make it a stunningly picturesque town.
The unassuming town houses one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in Western Europe. Tradition has it that Saint Michael appeared to the Bishop of Gargano in the fifth century and consecrated a cave in the outskirts of town. Over the years a unique and mysterious shrine has been built to enclose the cave. Throughout the centuries, millions have visited the Sanctuary of Saint Michael.
As one enters the shrine, there are several ancient inscriptions. One reads “Awesome is this place. Here is the house of God and the gate of Heaven,” Another reads, “The place where you are now is holy ground.” After going past the doors of the shrine, one immediately finds a long staircase which descends winding down until reaching the cave. One can feel the centuries of prayers offered by pilgrims at the sanctuary. It is one of the most mystical locations in Western Europe.
The cave where the archangel appeared in now a chapel where Mass is celebrated everyday. The altar is considered the only Catholic altar not consecrated by a bishop since Saint Michael himself consecrated it.
Let us pray for the protection of Saint Michael, that he may defend us from the power of the enemy and help to remain always close to God.
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host – by the Divine Power of God – cast into hell, Satan and all the evil spirits, who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.
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