Padre Pio Prayer Group, Lancaster, PA

Monte Sant' Angelo

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Padre Pio would often recommend that the penitent make a pilgrimage to Monte Sant' Angelo, and its "Celestial Basilica." In fact, sometimes a visit to this shrine was actually given by Padre Pio as a penance. What was the "Celestial Basilica?"

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The town of Monte Sant’ Angelo, which is located a brief half an hour drive from San Giovanni Rotondo, is famous as it is the home to the only Christian place of worship not consecrated by human hands. The basilica was consecrated by the Archangel Michael himself.

 

The story of the Basilica dates back to the late 5th and early 6th centuries. During this time, Michael appeared twice requesting that the mountain top cave be dedicated to Christianity. For a variety of reasons, the local bishop delayed in taking action. When action finally was taken, Michael appeared and indicated that he had already consecrated the grotto himself. On arriving in processionat the grotto, a group of bishops found an altar already completed. The first Mass was first held in the grotto basilica on September 29, in the year 493.

 

Michael had indicated that “Where the rock is thrown open, the sins of men can be forgiven. What will be asked here in prayer will be granted.”

 

A pilgrim to the basilica enters through the ancient entrance from the street level, beneath a staue of the Archangel Michael depicted as a Roman warrior. The vistor then begins to descend via a series of wide stairways. During the descent they will see walls covered with graffiti of past visitors, but the graffiti is hundred to over a thousand years old, attesting to the continuous flow of faithful to the grotto. At the lowest level is the basilica itself, which is a cave. The space is quite stunning. Mass is frequently celebrated in this unique and sacred space. Take the time to attend!

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The grotto basilica includes mutiple chambers which house the sacristy and similar functions. The grotto also includes a separate chapel of Reconciliation, as well as a museum. The museum features many memorials from people who had their prayers answered through the intercession of Michael, as well as arwork depicting the Archangel.