Apparition
Apparitions of Saint Michael the Archangel at Monte Gargano
Private revelation · Monte Sant'Angelo, Gargano, Apulia, Italy, 490
The oldest shrine of Saint Michael in western Europe stands over a cave on the Gargano promontory where, according to a tradition reaching back to the end of the fifth century, the Archangel appeared three times to Saint Laurence Maiorano, Bishop of Siponto, claiming the cave as his own and declaring that where the rock opens, the sins of men may be forgiven.
Background
The cave-basilica of San Michele Arcangelo has been a place of pilgrimage without interruption since late antiquity; it lay on the pilgrim roads to Jerusalem, and popes, emperors and saints — among them Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Padre Pio — went there. The Church has never issued a decree on the apparitions; the cult is ancient and fully approved, and the sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The universal Church keeps the feast of the Holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael on 29 September; the Gargano sanctuary also keeps 8 May, the day traditionally assigned to the dedication of the cave.
Location
Monte Sant'Angelo, Gargano, Apulia
Country
Italy
Approved status
Private revelation
Year of apparition
490
Visionaries
Saint Laurence Maiorano, Bishop of Siponto
Subject
angel
Feast day
September 29
Content subtype
unapproved_apparition