Thread by @DouayRheims1

8th MAY: THE FEAST OF THE APPARITION OF ST MICHAEL

-thread-
1. The history of the feast of the Apparition of St Michael is very remarkable. In the year 495, a wealthy man had a large herd of cattle grazing on Monte Gargano in Italy. #ApparitionOfStMichael #StMichael #Angels

2. 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 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. By this strange occurrence, I wish to remind men to celebrate the divine service in my honour and that of all the Angels.’

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

7. intercession of St Michael. When they arrived, they found an entrance which led down a stairway.

This cave had evidently been a place of refuge in which the early Christians had secretly held their services during times of persecution.
– From “‘Neath St Michael’s Shield”