THE APPARITIONS OF SAN MICHELE ARCANGELO
FIRST APPARITION OF S. MICHELE ON THE GARGANO
It was the year 490 when the first apparition of S. Michele on the Gargano occurred on May 8th. This was how it happened. A captain of the Sipontine arms, rich in farms and flocks, and equally pious and charitable, possessed a mountain about six miles distant from Siponto, now called Manfredonia which was the pasture of his herds. Among these was a ferocious bull, immeasurable and grim, who once in spring segregated himself from the others. When the captain came to see the herds while accompanied by servants, he searched for the bull, and found him in a deep cave in a steep and difficult place; and since it was not possible to take him out alive from there, he thought of having him dead again, and unloaded his bow towards it; but the arrow, instead of wounding the bull, turned its tip in midair, turned back and wounded the captain in the breast.
The completely new event filled the spectators with amazement, and the news of it spread not only in the vicinity of the forest from which many ran to see the wounded, but also reached the Bishop of Siponto, S. Lorenzo Maloriano, of Greek nationality , citizen of Constantinople, and close relative of Emperor Zeno. The holy Prelate, thinking that the strange event had not occurred without mystery, turned to God for light and intelligence. He ordered a triduum of prayers and fasts throughout the city to implore from God the grace of knowing the mystery of such a strange fact. God listened to the humble appeal of the Bishop and the people, so that while towards the dawn the most pious Bishop was praying in the cathedral of Siponto, St. Michael appeared to him and said to him "You have acted very wisely asking the Most High God for revelation and the reason why the arrow fired at the bull turned instead against the archer. Know therefore that this happened precisely because of me. I am the Archangel Michael, who stands before the throne of God, and I have decided to live here, and likewise to have taken this place into custody. I wanted to give these signs, so that everyone knows, as from now on the Gargano will be in my protection ».
So said St. Michael to St. Lawrence Bishop, and disappeared.
Great and unspeakable was the consolation and joy of S. Lorenzo Bishop for such a singular favor of S. Michele. Full of joy, he rose from the ground, summoned the people and ordered a solemn procession to the place, where the wonderful event had happened. Here arrived processionally, the bull was seen kneeling in deference of the celestial Liberator, and a large and spacious cave in the shape of a temple was found dug in the living stone by nature itself with a vault very comfortably elevated and with a comfortable entrance. Such a view filled all with great tenderness and terror, since wanting the people there to go forward, he was taken with sacred fear at hearing an angelic song with these words "Here we worship God, here we honor the Lord, here we glorify the Most High. " So much was the sacred fear, that the people no longer dared to go further, and established the place for the sacrifice of the Holy Mass and for prayers in front of the entrance of the sacred place. This event sparked devotion throughout Europe. Team pilgrims were seen climbing the Gargano every day. Pontiffs, Bishops, Emperors and Princes from all over Europe ran to visit the heavenly cave. The Gargano became a source of sensational graces for the Christians of the Gargano, as Baronio writes. Fortunate are those who rely on such a powerful benefactor of the Christian people; lucky are those who make themselves the very loving Prince of the Angels St. Michael the Archangel.
SECOND APPARITION OF S. MICHELE ON THE GARGANO
It was the first year of Anastasio Imperatore, and even before S. Gelasio Papa, when S. Michele appeared to S. Lorenzo for the second time, two years after that of the first apparition. The army of the Gothic king Odoacer, considering the people of Sipontino as confederate of Theodoric, who was emulated in the crown of Italy, tightened the Sipontines with strong siege, threatening their extermination. The Sipontini resorted to the S. Bishop to consult him in such a serious affair, and the Bishop decided to ask for help from the Archangel San Michele. While the Goths were intent on digging earth, ditches, shelters and ramparts, Lorenzo in imitation of Moses, climbed Monte Gargano to implore the head of the celestial militias for victory. It was Monday 25th of September, when the Goths sent a herald to order the surrender. Called back the zealous Shepherd to be consulted on this inevitable war, he ordered the people to ask for a truce of another three days, and having obtained it he commanded that in that triduum everyone should attend to prayer and penance, and attend the Sacraments; and so in fact did the Sipontini. And here towards the dawn of 29 September 492 while the Bishop was pining in prayers in the Church of S. Maria, S. Michele appeared to him assuring him of the victory, and warning him not to attack the enemies until after four in the afternoon, so that the sun with its splendors testified to the power of the Archangel. The Bishop warned the people, and after fortifying everyone with heavenly bread in the early hours of the day, at the appointed time the Sipontini lined up in battle went out against the barbarians. The sky was clear, when you suddenly hear thunder in the air, a cloud covers the sacred top of the Gargano, a horrible earthquake shakes the earth while the nearby sea rages with frightening roars. The Celeste Warrior striking from the fiery Gargano thunderbolt clearly showed that under the Archangel St. Michael the four elements fight together. Each thunderbolt reaped the lives of the barbarians, without offending even one of the Sipontines, so that the Gothic army was soon terrified and shot down. The Sipontini chased the Goths to Naples. In gratitude for such a great victory, S. Lorenzo together with the people soon went to the Gargano to thank the heavenly Defender. Without daring to go inside, in the anteport of the Santa Grotta they discovered impressions imprinted on the rough stone, which seemed to almost represent the presence of St. Michael. All full of holy joy kissed those prodigious signs, and perhaps repeated "Digitus Dei est hic".
THIRD APPARITION OF S. MICHELE ON THE GARGANO IN THE DEDICATION
It was the day 8 May of the year 493 when the S. Bishop of Siponto Lorenzo Maloriano with his family moved to the Gargano to celebrate the third anniversary of the apparition of S. Michelle. But neither the Bishop nor the people dared to enter the sacred cave. The common pity was not satisfied, because everyone was eager to penetrate and celebrate the divine mysteries by celebrating them according to the use of the Roman Church. Out of fear and respect for the sound of the angelic hymns, they dared not go inside, but decided to consult the Supreme Pontiff. Spedita, the embassy to Pope S. Gelasius, which was located on the hill S. Silvestro, these, considering the prodigious apparitions that took place there, replied: «If it was up to Us to determine it on the day of the dedication we would choose the day 29 September because of the victory brought on the barbarians but we await the oracle of the Celestial Prince. We Lo, will implore with a triduum in honor of the Holy Trinity. You will do the same with yours. " To this response, Bishop Lorenzo invited the seven neighboring Bishops to be in Siponto on 21 September, both to pray and fast, and also for the planned Dedication. The seven bishops with numerous people came to Siponto to pay respects to the Archangel. Gathered in Siponto on September 26, they began fasting, wakes, prayers and sacrifices, as in Rome S. himself practiced Gelasius Pope. The Divine Majesty was pleased to answer the prayers of his servants, but he kept the honor to S. Lorenzo to receive the third oracle. In fact, the night following the fasting triduum, S. Michele made himself see shining and said to him: "Gran Lorenzo, put down the thought of consecrating my cave, I have chosen it as my Royal Palace, and with my Angels I have already consecrated it. You will see the impressed marks, and my effigy, the Altar and the Pallium and the Cross. You only enter the Grotto, and under my assistance raise prayers. Celebrate the Holy Sacrifice tomorrow to communicate the people, and you will see how I sacrifice that Temple ». He did not wait for Lorenzo the day, which was also Friday, but at the same time he communicated divine favors to his colleagues, and he did the same with the people. Towards the dawn all barefoot procession walked towards the sacred cave. In the first hour of the morning the journey was easy, but later on under the heat of the sun the climb on those rugged cliffs was painful. But did not fail to shine the beneficial power of S. Michele, because four eagles of immense size appeared, two of which with their shadow defended the Bishops from the rays of the sun, and the other two with their wings cooled the air. Having received the sacred procession on the Gargano, he did not dare enter inside, but an altar was erected on the entrance, S. Lorenzo began the S. Mass. When the Gloria was intoned, melodies of Paradise were heard from all within, from which invited and heartened, Lorenzo went ahead, followed the others. From the southern gate they passed through a long atrium, which stretched to the other northern gate, where they found themselves on a stone with the imprints of S. Michelle. From this they discover the eastern part of the Celeste Basilica, which was climbed by means of steps. Entering the small door they see the miraculous image of S. Michael in the act of subjugating Lucifer. Lorenzo continues, singing the Te Deum, and here he discovers again at the bottom of the S.
S. Lorenzo continued the Holy Mass, while the other Bishops dedicated three Altars; then they distributed the Holy Communion to the faithful. This is the miraculous Dedication of the Basilica of S. Michele sul Gargano, of which the S. Church venerates the memory of September 29th.
APPARITION OF S. MICHELE IN ROME
In the year 590, being Supreme Pontiff S. Gregorio Magno, the plague devastated the city of Rome, and a great multitude of people fell victim to the disease every day. St. Gregory sought with public prayers to obtain mercy from God, and one day, while he was processionally carrying the image of the SS. Virgin towards St. Peter's Basilica, St. Michael appeared on the Mole Adriana, holding in his hand a terrible sword in an attitude to put it back in its scabbard. It was like a sign that the fierce plague that had so desolate Rome ceased. He then sang a song while echoing a group of Angels around the Holy Image brought by the Pope, rejoicing with the Holy Virgin for the Resurrection of his Divine Son: «Regina coeli laetare alleluia, quia quem meruisti bring alleluia, Resurrexit, sicut dixit alleluia "to which St. Gregory added:" Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia ". Therefore through the intercession of S. Michele and the SS. Virgin Rome was freed from such a terrible scourge, and in memory of this apparition a magnificent church was built there, and the place was called Castel Sant'Angelo.
APPARITION OF S. MICHELE ON MONTE GAURO AT CASTELLAMMARE
On Mount Gauro, also called S. Angelo, located between the cities of Castellammare di Stabia and Vico Equense, S. Michele appeared in S. Catello, then Bishop of Stabia and in S. Antonino Abate who had retired there to enjoy some of that quiet, which brings solitude with it; and approving their resolution he urged them to build a church in his honor in the place where they would see a burning torch. This was soon carried out by those holy people, so that they were allowed to retreat inside to wait with more fervor for the spiritual exercises undertaken. But having been the Bishop Catello by some enemies strongly persecuted until he went to prison in Rome, he did not let St. Michael to do that yes the Supreme Pontiff, persuaded of his innocence, not only let him go free in his Church, but he also donated a marble statue of St. Michael with some marble columns, so that he could adorn the rough church begun in honor of his liberator with more magnificence; which he did on his return, and that which is still visible against the ravages of time to the present day. In this the devotees of St. Michael the Archangel of all those outlines usually celebrate the feast on the first of August.
APPARITION OF S. MICHELE TO MARCIANO IMPERATORE
Wonderful the appearance of St. Michael to Marciano Imperatore, who had dedicated himself to honoring the Archangel in the Temple of Conas. In all his infirmities Marciano did not use any other medicine than the patronage of St. Michael, because resorting to that, he immediately healed. But to show the Lord more, the great power given to his holy Archangel allowed Marciano to become very seriously ill once; even then the Emperor refused any medicine that was suggested to him, and only wanted it not to be removed from that venerable Shrine. This seemed to a rash doctor, and ordered that even if the Emperor was against, apply the foments ordered by him. At night, kidnapped in ecstasy, Marciano saw that the doors of the Church were opening, and that St. Michael above a beautiful steed fell from the sky, and dismounted on a pillar that was in that Church accompanied by Angels and filling all the air of mild fragility, Marciano arrived where the sick man was. Taking a look at those medications that had been ordered by the doctor, he asked what those things were. Marciano answered the truth: and St. Michael turned to two Angels who stood beside him, ordered them to hit that doctor, and to remove the medicines; then touching with a finger the oil of a lamp that burned ahead of his image, he made with it the sign of the Cross in front of Marciano and disappeared. In the morning Marciano recounted what he had seen to a priest, who, noting on the forehead of Marciano the shape of the cross that the Saint Archangel had made to him, and not finding the medicaments ordered by the doctor on the previous night, he wanted to go to the doctor himself. When he got to his house he heard tears and screams, because the doctor was dying with his mouth full of pustules.
After the Priest's report was heard, the doctor was taken to the Church of S. Michele on the same bed. At this roar Marciano came to himself, and he found himself totally healed, and getting up happily went to the doctor, who was asking for help from St. Michael. He anointed his forehead with the oil of the lamp of his Image, and immediately the pain ceased, the pustules vanished, remaining in perfect health. From then on he became so devoted to St. Michael, that out of gratitude he dedicated himself to serving God and St. Archangel in the temple, as long as he lived.
APPARITION OF S. MICHELE IN S. EUDOCIA
The power of St. Michael the Archangel shone in the conversion of St. Eudocia, who, from a great sinner, became a martyr of Jesus Christ, under the reign of the Emperor Trajan. Originally from Samaria, she came to live in Heliopolis for no other purpose than to live with greater freedom in her debauchery. Converted there by the work of the monk S. Germano, and distributed to the poor the great riches, acquired with his foul life, he gave freedom to his slaves and before receiving baptism he spent seven days in a room fasting and praying without seeing anyone as the S. Monaco had ordered her. Having come to find her, she as soon as she saw him, immediately said to him: «Thank God, my Father, for the graces that he was pleased to do to me, although I am unworthy of it. I spent six days in my retreat mourning my sins, and doing exactly all the devout exercises you have prescribed for me. On the seventh day, being prostrate with my face on the ground, I suddenly saw myself surrounded by a great light that dazzled me. At the same time I saw a young man dressed in white with a serene air, who, taking me by the hand, raised me to the sky, where I seemed to see a crowd of people dressed like him, and showing great joy in seeing me, they rejoiced with me, because one day I would have been part of the same glory. While I was in this vision, I saw a horrible monster, who complained, with God through horrendous screams, because he was kidnapped by a prey, which for many titles was his. Then a voice from heaven put him to flight, saying that it pleases the infinite goodness of God to have mercy on sinners who do penance; and the same voice, making me hope for particular protection in the remainder of my life, ordered my Leader, whom I intended to be the Archangel St. Michael, to return me to the place where I am. " And in fact this new Samaritan woman was so validly protected by St. Michael that after a penitent and holy life, accompanied by many miracles and stupendous conversions, he was able to die a martyr on March 1 of the year 114.
APPARITION OF S. MICHELE IN SPAIN
Famous was the appearance in the Kingdom of Navarre, as evidenced by the Church of S. Michele di Eccelsi, built on top of a very high mountain, a branch of the Pyrenees called by the locals Aralar, at whose foot the river Araia flows towards the Araquil valley; the erection of this temple is due to the appearance in that place of the Archangel St. Michael to a knight from the city of Gonni. This happened at the time of the Moors, when they entered to devastate Spain. Seven bishops intervened at the consecration of this temple. In that great calamity of Spain, the Seraphim Archangel wanted to offer himself as patron and patron even before St. James was invoked by the Spaniards as such.
APPARITION OF S. MICHELE IN SPAIN
Due to another apparition, it was built in honor of S. Michele in the famous Romitorio, which then became the Patriarchal Church of Ontinente in the kingdom of Valenza. What is certain is that the protection that this sublime Spirit has exercised over that kingdom and that city has been great, as is its historical Herculaneum, which says "It is worthy of consideration that St. Michael was the one who put an end to He died in our city, as it was he who had started their destruction. when you King D. Giacomo took possession of their land at vespers of the feast of St. Michael. Indeed, having remained a large district of Valenza as the home of the Moors, after their conquest, the year 1521, being playing there some Christian children on the day of St. Michael, moved by a divine inspiration, took a picture of the Holy Archangel, and joining them with other people, with great cheers they took him to the Mosque of the Moors, who did not dare to resist them. Then those children shouted "Viva S. Michele; Long live St. Michael, and the faith of GC », and thus saying they placed him in that place, where the day of St. Dionysius was said to be Mass. From this Vincenzo Perez took the opportunity to push those Moors to become Christians, so in fact it happened. The Moors were all baptized, and the mosque was consecrated, and became a parish ».
APPARITION OF S. MICHELE IN NAPLES
In the year 574 the Lombards who were still without faith at the time tried to destroy the flourishing Christian faith of the city of Parthenopea. But this was not allowed by S. Michele Arcangelo, since S. Agnello having been returning from Naples for some years since Gargano, while he was in charge of the government of the hospital of S. Gaudisio, praying in the cave, S. Michele Arcangelo appeared to him who he sent it to Giacomo della Marra, assuring him of the victory, and was then seen with the banner of the Cross dispel the Saracens. In that same place a church was erected in his honor, which now with the name of S. Angelo a Segno is one of the oldest parishes, and the memory of the fact is preserved in a marble placed in it. For this fact the Neapolitans always grateful to the Celestial Benefactor, honored him as a special Protector. At the expense of Cardinal Errico Minutolo a statue of St. Michael was erected which was placed on the ancient main door of the Cathedral. This during the earthquake of 1688 remained unharmed.
APPARITION OF S. MICHELE IN SPAIN
Everywhere the Prince of Angels has delivered favors and benefits in the greatest calamities. The city of Zaragoza had been occupied by the Moors, who for four hundred years had barbarously tyrannized it. King Alfonso thought he would free this city from the barbarity of the Moors, and already had his army ready to take the city by storm, and had entrusted that part of the city that looks towards the Guerba river to the Navarrini, who had come to the rescue. While the battle was unfolding, the Sovereign Captain of the Angels in the midst of celestial splendors appeared to the King, and made him known that the city was under his defense, and that he had come to the aid of the army. And in fact he favored it with a splendid victory, so as soon as the city surrendered, a Temple was built, right there where the Seraphic Prince appeared, which became one of the main parishes of Zaragoza, and to this day is called S. Michele dei Navarrini .
APPARITION OF S. MICHELE IN ALVERNIA
Monte della Verna has remained famous for the apparitions of S. Michele. There St. Francis of Assisi withdrew to attend better to contemplation in imitation of our Lord Jesus Christ who only went to the mountains to pray. And since St. Francis wondered if those immense cracks that were seen had actually occurred in the death of the Redeemer, appearing to him St. Michael of whom he was most devoted, he was assured that what was traditionally said was true. And as St. Francis with this belief frequently went to venerate that holy place, it happened that while there in honor of St. Michael he was devoutly making his Lent, on the day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross the same St. Archangel appeared to him in form of Seraphic winged Crucifix, and after having imprinted a seraphic Love in his heart, he marked it with the sacred stigmata. That that Seraphim had been St. Michael the Archangel, indicates it as a very probable thing St. Bonaventure.
APPARITION OF S. MICHELE IN MEXICO
In the new world, when the Church was established there, God wanted to manifest with various apparitions of St. Michael, who in every part He is the Patron of the Church, and who must be revered as such by everyone. In a small village, near the locality called S. Maria della Natività, about four leagues distant from the city of the Angels, there was an Indian, called Diego Lazzero, who since childhood was kept virtuous. One day while going in a procession that took place in that place St. Michael appeared to him and commanded him to tell the neighbors that in a cliff that is between two cèrri, very close to the population where he was born, he would find a source of miraculous water for all infirmities, under a very large cliff; but he did not venture to say it, fearing it was not believed. After some time he fell ill with such a serious illness that he came to the end of his life with no hope left. While his parents with other relatives were waiting for him to expire, on the eve of the Apparition of the glorious Archangel, on May 7, 1631, towards midnight a great splendor suddenly flashed into the room, like lightning, which intimidated all the surrounding. These fled in dismay, leaving only the sick man for a while; but as nevertheless the splendor persisted, they took heart, fearing that the house could be burned, which was made of rushes, and once they entered the house again, the splendor ceased and they found the sick man apparently dead. After having spent some time, he opened his eyes, and began to speak with such enthusiasm, that everyone believed this by a miracle, he told them, that they did not take pain, that he was already well, because St. Michael appeared to him surrounded of great rays of light, which had rendered him health and had led him, without knowing how, to a cliff not very far away; the St. Archangel went to
before with such clarity, as if it were noon, while the branches of the trees broke, the mountains opened up to where they passed, leaving the step free. Stopping in the cliff, he said that under a large cliff, which he touched with a golden rod in his hand, was the source of the miraculous water, which he had already revealed to him, and that he would manifest this to the faithful without fear and delay, otherwise he would have been seriously punished; then his infirmity was in pain of his disobedience. That said, a frightening whirlwind arose which caused him a great fear. But the Saint Archangel reassured him by saying that he did not fear what the infernal enemies were doing in spite of the great benefits that the faithful of NS would receive at one hand in that place; because many seeing the wonders that would have been accomplished in that place, would have converted, would have done penance for their sins, and those who would have gone there with faith would have remedied their travails and necessities, having said that the Archangel rained a even more light above the place. St. Michael then said Diego Lazzero what was the virtue that God with his providence communicated to him for the health and remedy of the sick, so that he could be believed by the faithful, he alone could transport and remove the cliff, which was above the source . With this the vision disappeared. Diego could not give reason for the way the vision had occurred, but this was certain and true, as he was miraculously healed while he was dying. All of which were filled with wonder.
APPARITION OF S. MICHELE IN MEXICO
After a few days, now restored Diego went with his father to trace the place of the source and the two alone removed the cliff that covered it with great ease, beating it to one side, although many people were needed to move it. This confirmed the truth of the apparition of the Glorious Prince, and in conformity with this they began to spread the news, assuring the faithful, who would find in the holy source remedy for all their infirmities. Many infirm, blind, lame, crippled came, who, by washing themselves in the water of that source, healed. After a few months, Diego Lazzero himself fell ill again with deadly disease, and prevented his relatives, so that they would not feel sorry because Our Lord had thus ordered to confirm faith in holy water; he added that when they saw him distressed by his infirmity, they gave him that water to drink without using any other remedy, because it would soon be healed. The evil got so bad that the young man spent four days without a pulse and without a word and his parents gave him a drink to drink more water without him feeling less than improved: but soon he drank that water from the holy fountain , I regained strength, improved, and regained perfect health. At first this fountain stood on the surface of the ground and had a small opening, with a little more than half an arm of depth, afterwards a remarkable fact occurred, that is, it was in an amount without spreading, and although many, and many vases of that, even immediately filled up, and reaching the edge, stopped. Poscia became larger and deeper, because the devotees dug the earth, to bring it to their homes as a relic. For it was experienced that God had communicated to her the same virtue of miraculous water, throwing it into other water and giving it to the sick. A church has already been built in that place, where St. Archangel is venerated, where he performs countless miracles.
APPARITION OF S. MICHELE IN THE TERRITORY OF OLEVANO
In the territory of Olevano, which belongs to the Diocese of Salerno, a cave is indicated, in which St. Michael the Archangel is said to have appeared. The altars that can be seen there have an ancient shape, and the devotion with which the cave is revered by the people shows that fame cannot fail to be true. In addition there are many ancient scriptures where we speak of the Grotta dell'Angelo, or of S. Michele.
Here there is also a water that flows and which applied with faith heals many evils, as the population of the place says, which tells wonders. It is also said that said Grotto was dedicated to San Michele with a solemn rite from S. Gregorio VII, while residing in Salerno.
APPARITION OF ST. MICHELE TO A DEAD RELIGIOUS
It tells S. Anselmo that a religious on the point of death while he was attacked three times by the devil, as many times was defended by S. Michele. The first time the devil reminded him of the sins committed before baptism, and the frightened religious for not having done penance was on the point of despair. St. Michael then appeared and calmed him, telling him that those sins were hidden with the Holy Baptism. The second time the devil represented to him the sins committed after Baptism, and mistrusting the miserable dying man, he was consoled for the second time by St. Michael, who assured him that they had been remitted to him with Religious Profession. The devil finally came for the third time and represented a great book full of shortcomings and negligence committed during the religious life, and the religious not knowing what to answer, again St. Michael in defense of the religious to comfort him and to tell him that such shortcomings had been expiated with the good works of religious life, with obedience, suffering, mortifications and patience. Thus consoled the Religious embracing and kissing the Crucified One, died placidly. We venerate St. Michael alive, and we will be comforted by him in death.
APPARITION OF S. MICHELE
Giovanni Turpino in the life of Charlemagne written by him, narrates that one day while he was celebrating Mass of the Dead in the presence of Emperor Charles himself, he was kidnapped in ecstasy, during which he heard a celestial music of Angels, who went to heaven. At the same time he also saw a crowd of demons who came with great feast as soldiers who had done much booty; then he asked them, "What are you bringing?" They replied: "Let's take Marsilius's soul to hell." But then St. Michael was seen freeing Rollando's soul from Purgatory and carrying it to Heaven along with that of other Christians. Which he reported to the Emperor himself after it was Mass.
APPARITION OF S. MICHELE IN SALA
On a mountain about two miles away from the City of Sala there is a cave where the glorious Prince of Angels is said to have appeared one day to a shepherd, who took refuge there intimidated by thunder and lightning, while there he invoked St. Michael for help. Archangel appeared to him majestic, and commanded him to build a church there in his honor, so that in the future those who in similar cases had addressed prayers would be protected. The church was made, and the promise came true, because every time those populations turned to him to obtain defense from frightening lightning and terrible storms, they were always heard.
In 1715 some priests went there devoutly to offer him fervent prayers, so that he might deign to intercede with God that he would stop the frequent hailstorms that threatened the ruin of the crops and that he would be pleased to use the powerful help of the Christians against other storms with his powerful help. more horrible, feared by the Ottoman power. Now, while the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was being celebrated there for this purpose, at the time of the Consecration, the image of San Michele, painted in fresco in the ancient wall, was seen dripping, especially from the face, a quantity of very shiny liquid that like oil it flowed down from the figure also wetting the altar. Oh how many subtleties of love the Saint Archangel uses in helping those who honor him!
APPARITION OF ST. MICHELE IN TRANSYLVANIA
Malloate King of Dacia, who responds to today's Transylvania, was afflicted because he saw his kingdom without successor. In fact, although the Queen his wife gave him a son every year, none of them managed to live longer than a year so that while one was born, the other died. A holy monk advised the King to put himself under the special protection of St. Michael the Archangel, and to offer him some special homage every day. The King obeyed. After some time, the queen gave birth to two twin children and both died with great pain to her husband and the whole kingdom. Not for this the King abandoned his devout practices, but rather conceived more confidence in his Protector S. Michele, and commanded that the children's bodies be brought into the Church, that they placed themselves on the altar of the Holy Archangel Michael, and that all his subjects asked for mercy and help from San Michele. He too went to church with his people although under a pavilion with the curtains lowered, not so much to hide his pain, but to be able to pray more fervently. While all the people prayed together with his sovereign the glorious St. Michael appeared to the King, and said to him: «I am Michael Prince of the Militias of God, whom you have called to your aid; your fervent prayers and those of the people, accompanied by ours, have been answered by the Divine Majesty, who wants to resurrect your children. From here on you improve your life, reform your customs and those of your vassals. Do not listen to bad advisers, return to the Church what you have usurped, because because of these faults God sent you these punishments. And for you to apply yourself to what I recommend, aim for your two resurrected children, and know that I will guard their life. But be careful not to be ungrateful for so many favors ». And showing himself in a royal suit and scepter in his hand, he gave him the blessing, leaving him with great consolation for his children, and with real inner change.
APPARITION OF S. MICHELE IN THE GARGANO
The year 1656 in almost all of Italy, and especially in the Kingdom of Naples, plague turned cold. In the city of Naples alone, it had claimed four hundred thousand victims. The city of Foggia was also attacked to such an extent that it remained almost depopulated. Manfredonia, seeing the enemy nearby, placed guards around, sent orders, edicts. Archbishop Giannolfo Puccinelli tried to ward off the humanly inevitable evil with many spiritual remedies. Trusting in the patronage of S. Michele Arcangelo, after making processions and public demonstrations of penance, together with his Clergy and people all, gathered in the temple of the Sacred Grotto, and prostrate with their faces on the ground, with moans deafened the Sky, and to soften the Divine Mercy he ordered a fasting triduum for all its Diocese. Meanwhile, the evil advanced with great strides towards Manfredonia, for which the good Prelate, after having conferred several times with the Ecclesiastics, decided that it was necessary with tireless assiduity to insist on the glorious S. Michele for help. He ordered another triduum of fasting and prayers, urging the people to penance. Meanwhile, he was interiorly inspired to form a plea on behalf of the whole city, and present it on the altar in S. Michele Arcangelo, whereby he intervened as mediator with God. Common desires had a miraculous effect, because the petition was granted and it was S. Archangel himself to announce it. At about five in the morning, on September 22, while the archbishop was in his room reciting prayers, and while the whole family slept, he heard a strange noise similar to an earthquake, on the east side he saw a great light, and in the middle in light he recognized the glorious Prince S. Michele, who said to him: «Know, O Shepherd, of these sheep, which I Archangel Michael obtained from the SS. Trinity, that everywhere with devotion the stones of my Basilica will be used from houses, cities and places the plague will go away. Preach, tell everyone about divine grace. "Ubi saxa devote reponuntur ibi pestes de hominibus dispellantur". «You will bless the stones by carving the sign of the Cross with my name. Preach of having to appease God of the wrath of the next earthquake. " Meanwhile, the servants aroused by the strange noise, run into the room and find the Archbishop as dead, lying on the ground. Frightened, they lift him up and restore him, but he did not cease to moan and sigh, and pouring tears, he pronounced only the name of San Michele. The following day he appeared in public as a messenger of peace. Once the people were summoned, nothing else said but «Viva S. Michele; grace is done; Viva S. Michele". He immediately chipped stones from the walls themselves, carving the Cross in the middle with the name of S. Michele, and then he blessed them with a special rite. Everyone took on these sacred stones. There was no lack of those who feared the future evil, and doubted the present good. But all doubt vanished when the earthquake occurred on October 17th, as St. Michael had announced.
APPARITION OF S. MICHELE IN PROCIDA
The island of Procida repeatedly victim of the cruelty of the barbarians, saw the Badiale Church, built on the top, burnt three times, besides the many depredations and slavery. About 1535 it would have been completely destroyed, if the most powerful St. Archangel, guardian of that island, confidently invoked by those citizens had not come down to their defense.
Indeed with a large fleet the barbarian corsair Barbarossa, landed in the waters of Procida, had already landed numerous troops who had even reached the door (now called iron) of that Murata land, or Castle, within which the Procidani all closed, discouraged for the lack of means, confidently implored help from Heaven, and defended by St. Michael, protector of the Island. The Protector saw their dismay and answered their prayers. When they were about to fall into barbarian hands, behold the Celestial Prince, who came down from heaven to help them, showed all the walled earth so surrounded by fire, and caused so many lightning bolts and thunderbolts to vibrate, that the barbarous pirate was not forced to sail yet , but breaking the hawsers and running away frightened. The procidans so admirably saved from the hands of the enemy for the help of St. Michael, each year in memory of the grace received on both May 8th and September 29th, carry in procession the venerable image of the Holy Protector from the Badiale Church to the Church Parochial up to that place where it is tradition that St. Michael had visibly appeared; and blessed with the image the island, they return to the Church, thank God, who thus wanted to magnify the Celestial Prince.
As evidence of this prodigious appearance there is a large picture in the choir of the said Parish Church which represents the defense of Procida and the liberation from 'Turchi by S. Michele.
APPARITION OF S. MICHELE TO S. ERRICO LO ZOPPO
In the year 1022, St. Errico of Bavaria, vulgarly called the Lame, having traveled to Italy against the Greeks, who at the time of Basil Emperor of the East had become enormously enlarged in Puglia, after having defeated them he wanted to move to visit the Basilica of S. Michele on Monte Gargano. He stayed there a few days to do his devotions. Finally she was seized by the desire to stay all night in the Santa Spelonca. In fact, as he did. While he was standing there only in profound silence and in prayer he saw two beautiful Angels come out from the rear of the altar of St. Michael, who solemnly parried the altar. A little later on the same side he saw a great multitude of other Angels coming in chorus, after which he saw their leader St. Michael appear, and lastly with all divine majesty Jesus Christ appeared with his Virgin Mary Mother and other characters. Soon Jesus Christ saw himself pontifically dressed by the Angels, and two others who assisted, one as a Deacon and the other as a Deacon, believed to have been the two St. John the Baptist and the Evangelist. The High Priest started the Mass in which he offered himself to the Eternal Parent. At this sight, the Emperor was amazed, especially when, after singing the Gospel, the book of the Gospels was kissed by Jesus Christ and was then brought by the Archangel St. Michael, by command of Jesus Christ to the Emperor Errico. The Emperor was lost in seeing the Archangel approach with the text of the Gospels, but the St. Archangel encouraged him to kiss him, and then lightly touching him in the side, he said to him: «Do not be afraid, chosen by God, get up, and take with joy the kiss of peace that God sends you. I am Michael Archangel, one of the seven chosen spirits who stand at the throne of God; so I touch your side, so that limping you give the sign that nobody from here onwards has the daring to stay in this place at night time tango faemur tuum, ut claudicando sit in te signum, quod nullus hic nocturno tempore ingrediri audeat "». All this reports the Bambergense in the life of S. Errico Imperatore, and this event is also recorded in a parchment of the Libreria dei SS. Apostles of PP Theatines of the city of Naples. All this then revealed S. Errico the following morning to the Priests of the Temple of S. Michele, and this tradition is preserved in the city of the Gargano and throughout the Diocese of Sipontina.
APPARITION OF ST. MICHELE IN FRANCE
France was not only about to get lost, the British having gained most of that Kingdom by force of arms, but having fled King Charles, he no longer had a human remedy. But he found it in the patronage of St. Michael, who appeared to the young Giovanna d'Arco and communicated to her so much value and fortitude, that to say of Bozio (de rebbellic. C. 8) it exceeded the value of how many Amazons had the world. This young girl, helped by St. Michael, recovered the Kingdom of France by driving out her English enemies; and to make it clear that the victory was the work of St. Michael, the celestial Prince made sure that at the eight of May, the day on which the Church celebrates the appearance of the Archangel of God on the Gargano, the British cleared Orleans from them occupied.
APPARITION OF S. MICHELE IN PORTUGAL
The Kingdom of Portugal was very afflicted by 'Moors of Andalusia because of the cruelty of Barbarian King Albert of Seville. However, when the King of Portugal D. Alfonso Enriquez appealed to St. Michael, he was admirably helped by the heavenly Archangel. In fact, in attacking the battle, the Portuguese after invoking St. Michael, experienced his miraculous help, and it happened that no Portuguese perished, and no Moor remained in that kingdom anymore. Therefore the King of Portugal, D. Alfonso Enriquez, and Lodovico XI King of France established two Military Orders of St. Michael, each in his kingdom in the certainty that under the protection of that prince of the Angelic militias victory would always be ready.
APPARITION OF S. MICHELE IN S. GALGANO EREMITA IN SIENA
At the time of the Emperor Frederick a certain named Galgano was born in Siena, who was devoted to debauchery. St. Michael appeared to him twice in a dream, warning him that he would change his life, and become a soldier of Christ. The Archangel repeated the third time the notice; but his mother and relatives tried to divert him from this intent, offering him to marry a very beautiful and wealthy wife. Persuaded by his, he rode to go and see his bride; but at a certain point the horse stopped and did not want to go any further. While Galgano strongly pressed the spur for the horse to continue the journey, he learned that an Angel was holding him back. At this prodigy the knight changed purpose and retreating to a solitude he led a heavenly life, in continuous fasting, austerity and prayers. And after a year of rigorous life, he was called to the glory of heaven with hearing these sweet words: «Enough now what you have worked hard; time is already that you enjoy the fruit of what you have sown ». And then he immediately died at the age of 33 in 1181. His holiness shone with many miracles in life and in death.
APPARITION OF ST. MICHELE IN FRANCE
According to the Patriarch of Jerusalem Ximenes (15 c. 28), this is reported by the Archbishop of Toledo Grazia de Loaisa in his notes to the Councils of Spain, who watching a Holy Bishop in a Church of St. Michael in France, saw in inspiration to come to the altar of the Holy Archangel the Guardian Angels of the Kingdoms of Spain, France, England and Scotland, and to confer with him on the little fruit that they drew from their care in the custody and protection of those Kingdoms, since neither the benefits reformed their villains customs, nor the threats diverted them from their sins, therefore asked the St. Archangel to ask God what they had to do with these Provinces. Then the Archangel Sovereign replied by telling them many things from God by announcing what would become of those Kingdoms and their kings and that God for their great sins would punish them. And in reply to the Angels of Spain, he told them, that to disguise themselves in them the horrible impiety towards the Moors, which they had because of their interests, they would have suffered much inconvenience and travails, and that in time they would have known their betrayals and wickedness and they would have them from all their detached Kingdoms. So much pronounced St. Michael, and it occurred then, when in the reign of Philip III the expulsion of the Moors took place in 1611 that is 299 years after St. Michael had revealed it to the Guardian Angels of that Kingdom.
APPARITION OF S. MICHELE IN LUCANIA
St. Lucy Archangel has deigned to appear several times in Lucania, so that in many places he is also honored with the help of pilgrims. In particular, the Spelonca, commonly known as Pittari, but properly Pietraro in the Diocese of Policastro, where in honor of S. Michele, a bas-relief stone carved carved its effigy with around some worn Greek characters, a clear indication of the its antiquity. This is also proven by the fact that Guaimario III, Prince of Salerno since the eleventh century to ensure the service of that sanctuary, where continuous miracles were performed by God through the intercession of St. Michael, founded a Benedictine monastery on the top of said mountain with a church dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, which alone today is still standing with the title of Badia.
APPARITION OF S. MICHELE IN BASILICATA
Famous is the Grotta di S. Angelo in Fasanella, once a fiefdom of the Galeota Lords, whether we consider the natural beauty of the place, or the size of the majestic building, or the wonderful event that happened there while Manfredi Principe of the ancient city of Fasanella one day he was intent on hunting, having untied a falcon, this immediately entered the hollow of a hill, and since most of it did not go out, he pushed the Prince to come closer to see what ever was hidden there. As he approached he heard very sweet songs, which filled him with wonder, shaken from here, as if awakened by a pleasant dream, he hurried towards the city, and after manifesting the prodigy, he decided to go there again the next day together with the Clergy and to the people. And so he did. But as soon as he reached the place, the all-cheering falcon landed on his hands. Then having the hole dilated, a marvelous cave was discovered in the bottom of which an Altar erected in honor of St. Michael was seen, which made all bystanders shed tears for joy. This sacred cave from then on was not only held in supreme veneration by the local population but became a popular destination for pilgrimages from Spain, France and other nations, including Eastern ones, so much so that Ughelli speaks of it with no less praise than that of the Gargano.
APPARITION OF S. MICHELE TO THE DUKE OF SINIGALLIA
The Bishop Equilino writes that being Sergio Duca di Sinigallia ill with leprosy, and having spent a great deal of money on doctors and medicines, to no avail, he lost hope of recovery. Then St. Michael appeared to him twice, telling him that if he wanted to heal, he would go to visit his Church in Brendal. The Duke replied that he was unaware of where this Church was. "It does not matter," replied the Most Glorious Archangel, prepare a ship for the Angels to guide you there. " So he did, and in the space of a day and a night, a prosperous wind brought him to the monastery of Brendal, as others say, Brindolo, on the Adriatic coast. He did not know the Duke or his people what place he had landed; but informed by the people of the earth, they found that this was the place indicated by St. Michael, where there was that sacred temple dedicated to him. The Duke and all his people went barefoot to the Temple, and as soon as they reached the door, he found himself free of leprosy and entered the Church with perfect health. And then he and his consort Duchess remained so obliged to the S. Archangel, that they determined to stop there to serve God, and to honor the glorious patron, after having assigned half of their goods to the poor, and the other half to the cult of S Michele (M. Nauc. Lib. 3, chap. 13 at Nieremb, chap. XXIV).
APPARITION OF S. MICHELE IN VARIOUS PLACES
In Thuringia in S. Bonifacio the Apostle of those parts, while fighting some heretics, St. Michael the Archangel appeared with the Cross encouraging him to defend the Catholic doctrine; in his honor S. Bonifacio built a sumptuous temple.
In Austria St. Michael appeared to B. Benvenuta, who endeavored to rekindle the devotion to the heavenly Prince where he was dying out.
In Sweden St. Michael the Archangel appeared to St. Brigid and induced him with his daughter Catenina to go to the Gargano where he heard the angelic songs.
In Flanders he appeared to a holy Bishop so that he would build a church for him; St. Michael is highly venerated there for the many miracles he performed.
In Poland he clearly appeared in a dream to Lesco Negro Duke of Krakow and Sandomiria and comforted him by assuring him of the victory against the Jacziuinci and the Lithuanians. And so it happened. In fact, after chasing them, he put almost all the former to death, and the latter largely perished from the various inconveniences, they killed themselves, but none of the Poles perished, so that St. Michael was proclaimed special protector of that Kingdom.
In Hungary St. Michael appeared under Belisarius and promised and gave triumph and victory to the Christians with the defeat of the mighty army of Muhammad II, emperor of the Turks.