Notizie

The spiritual journey of preparation for the Feast of the Apparitions of St. Michael began on April 29th.

One of the specific functions of the Archangel is to exhort men to constantly search for the Most High, the only true Good and the final goal of earthly pilgrimage: the novena, thus, represented a precious opportunity to get closer to the Creator and meet him, for the mediation of the Celestial Patron, in prayer and sharing.

The nine days that led to the Dies festus on May 8 were marked by meditations, proposed by Fr. Adamo Sitarz, who were inspired by the theme “With Saint Michael we rediscover the beauty and vitality of prayer”: a worthy and profitable stage of preparation for the Jubilee of 2025.

Furthermore, within the dense program of liturgies and functions, some cultural events were included which, through the language of art, poetry and music, expressed concepts of faith, devotion, conversion and sharing.

In particular, on May 4th the following took place: the inauguration of the exhibition of painting and restoration of sacred art “A voice for Spirituality”, created by the artist Nicoletta Lauriola; the “Testimony of Faith and Charity” by the actress Claudia Koll; the “The Four Seasons” concert by Vivaldi performed by the “Terre Federiciane” Soloists.

The Festival of Apparitions commemorates the extraordinary episodes in which Saint Michael manifested himself: the angelophanies of 490, 492 and 493 declared not only His closeness to the people of the Gargano land but, even more, began the cult dedicated to Him in the West Christian.

The Prince of Angels chose a barren and bare cave as his earthly home: an urban nucleus developed around it which, over time, became Monte Sant’Angelo. For this reason, the liturgical anniversary of May 8 also celebrates in some way the birthplace of the city that houses the Celestial Basilica.

Considerable participation of the faithful in the celebrations that solemnized the Dies festus.

In the footsteps of his holy predecessor, Bishop Maiorano, who received the revelation of the Archangel and who was the first to officiate the Divine Mysteries in the Sacred Cave, Archbishop Monsignor Franco Moscone presided over the morning Eucharist: to the local and diocesan clergy, yes the Provincial of the Michelites, Fr., are united. Raffaele Gadek, the vice rector of Mount Saint-Michel, Mons. Martin Viviès and the rector of the Sanctuary of Saint Michael of Miejsce Piastowe (Poland), p. Taddeo Musz. Numerous civil and military authorities gathered.

In the evening, another prelate honored the Protector Angels: Mgr. Mikel Garciandìa Goñi, Bishop of Palencia (Spain) and Coordinator of the European Michaelian Sanctuaries for the Jubilee 2025, attended the solemn Mass.