In Monte Sant'Angelo to the Archangel Michael!
Description:
At an altitude of 840 m above sea level, among the most beautiful landscapes is the town of Monte - Sant'Angelo.
The name of the town comes from an event that happened here in the V century. According to legend, in one of the caves there was a phenomenon of the Archangel Michael. After that, the cave became revered not only by the local population, but pilgrims from other countries went to the holy place. The archangel Michael the Lombards was especially revered, and the city of Monte Sant'Angelo was part of the pilgrimage route "Via Sacra Langobardorum". Since 2011, the sanctuary of St. Michael the Archangel has been recognized as a World Heritage of Humanity and is under the protection of UNESCO.
How did the first appearance of the Archangel occur? Legend has it that the shepherd of the neighboring city of Siponto, herds cows in this area. Suddenly, he notices that there is no better bull. It was already evening, and the shepherd became concerned about the animal and began to look for it. He called him and looked into the ditches, almost desperate to find him, and then he notices something strange: he sees a bull standing with its front paws on its knees at the entrance to the cave. The shepherd was pleased with the find, began to call him. But the bull did not respond to his call. He didn't even move. Then the shepherd became angry with this disobedient animal, and decided to shoot an arrow at him. Charged a bow with an arrow, aimed at a bull and shot. What was his surprise when not only did the arrow not reach the bull, but it turned halfway and flew back, sticking it in his leg. The shepherd felt both pain and annoyance, and some surprise. He immediately went to the priest of his city. He listened to him and punished him, praying and fasting for three days to understand the significance of this phenomenon. After three days the Archangel Michael appeared to the priest and said that this land and its inhabitants were now under the care of the Archangel.
Soon there were two more appearances of the Archangel and this place became very visited. Archangel Michael Lombards were especially revered, they even printed his image on coins.
In the following centuries, a ladder was laid in the cave and a temple was built over the cave. This temple is called the "Heavenly Basilica" and the "Door to Heaven" because the temple was originally under the open sky.
Nowadays, the cave has not lost its popularity. Pilgrims from many countries climb the mountain to worship the holy place. Many leave drawings about the miraculous intervention of the Archangel and his help in resolving difficult life situations. Thus, adding faith to the miracle to those who doubt the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel.