Saints celebrated on the 8th of May
THE FEAST OF THE APPARITION OF SAINT MICHAEL
The history of the feast of the Apparition of Saint Michael is very remarkable. In the year 495, a wealthy man had a large herd of cattle grazing on Monte Gargano in Italy, not far from the once famous city of Siponto.
ONE DAY A STEER WENT ASTRAY FROM THE HERD
One day a steer went astray from the herd and did not return with the rest of the cattle at the usual time. The owner and his hired men went in search of the steer and finally found him on the summit of the mountain, lying at the entrance of a cave. The animal refused to leave the spot.
HE SENT AN ARROW TOWARDS IT
At length the owner, exasperated by its stubbornness, took up his bow and sent an arrow towards it. However, the arrow whirled about in the air and, coming directly towards the archer, wounded him.
ALL WERE FRIGHTENED AT THIS STRANGE INCIDENT
All were frightened at this strange incident, and no one ventured to approach the place. They went directly to the Bishop of Siponto and related the incident to him. The holy prelate, after serious reflection, decided that there must be some mystery connected with it. He therefore prayed fervently that God’s Holy Will might be revealed. Thereupon, St Michael appeared to him in great splendour and said: ‘I am Michael the Archangel, who ever stand before the Lord. I am keeping this place under my special protection. By this strange occurrence, I wish to remind men to celebrate the divine service in my honour and that of all the Angels.’
THE BISHOP AND ALL THE PEOPLE WENT UP THE MOUNTAIN
After this revelation, the Bishop and all the inhabitants of the place went up the mountain in solemn procession and prayed to the Lord through the intercession of St Michael. When they arrived at the cave, they found an entrance which led down a stairway. No one, however, ventured to enter, and they performed their devotion at the opening. After that, many pilgrimages were made to this spot.
THEY KEPT A THREE DAY'S FAST
Much later, around the year 663, the Neapolitans decided to make war upon the inhabitants of Siponto and Benevento. The latter, at the advice of their bishop, kept a three day’s fast and called upon the assistance of the holy Archangel. During the night preceding the attack, the Archangel again appeared to the Bishop and told him that God had listened to their petitions and that in the fourth hour of the day they should courageously meet the enemy, and they would gain victory.
THE CAVERN WAS PERFECTLY FORMED FOR A CHURCH
As soon as the attack began, all Monte Gargano was shaken. The entire summit was enveloped in dark clouds, from which flashes of lightning, like fiery arrows, flew towards the enemy – who in consequence took flight. In joy and gratitude and amidst devout prayer, the conquerors entered the sacred spot. They found the cavern to be perfectly formed for a church which could hold about five hundred persons.
This cave had evidently been a place of refuge in which the early Christians had secretly held their services during times of persecution. From a crevice in the rock, which formed the ceiling of this sanctuary, water dripped down upon the rocks.
THIS WATER POSSESSED HEALING PROPERTIES
This water was very refreshing and most pleasant to taste, and it possessed healing properties. Many sick persons were instantly cured after drinking this water; others found health through the intercession of St Michael. Many other miracles proved this place to be under the special protection of Heaven. Alongside of this subterranean church the bishop erected another, in which the services were conducted by canons regular (priests who belong to a religious order). This church still exists.
(From: 'Neath St Michael’s Shield)
➡️ The Dedication of St Michael's Church
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