Tradition of miraculous foundations
More actions
4.4 Tradition of miraculous foundations
4.4.1 The role of angelic apparitions
Epiphanic narratives and visions: structure and symbolism
In the Micaelic cult, angelic apparitions constitute the founding moment of many shrines. Such narratives are often structured according to a recurring pattern: a nocturnal apparition, the
transmission of a message by the Archangel Michael and a tangible sign (a cave, a spring, a rock) attesting to his divine presence.
These epiphanies are not mere devotional tales, but theological and cultural tools for:
legitimising the foundation of a sacred place;
convey a moral or doctrinal message;
placing the sanctuary in a geography of the sacred that transcends material space.
The symbolism of the visions often recalls cosmic elements (light, fire, peaks, stones) and conveys the idea of direct and continuous celestial protection.
Apparitions of St Michael in hagiographic texts
The apparition of St Michael in 490 on Mount Gargano, described in the Liber de apparitione sancti Michaelis, is one of the oldest and most influential narratives of its kind. In it, the Archangel manifests himself to a bishop and some shepherds, choosing a cave as his place of worship. The event is accompanied by miraculous signs and the victory of a battle thanks to his intervention.
Similar texts appear in Byzantine and Latin contexts, such as:
the apparition to Saint Aubert of Avranches in 708, who founded Mont Saint-Michel;
the vision to Hugh of Montboissier at the Sacra di San Michele;
Oriental tales linked to the monastery of Honaz, where the Archangel protects a miraculous spring.
These hagiographies spread through preaching, liturgies and pilgrimages, fuelling the sacredness of the place and consolidating its fame.
The Archangel as heavenly founder of sacred places
In the Michaelic context, St Michael is not only a protector or intercessor: he is often described as the one who directly chooses and founds his shrine. This function distinguishes him from other saints and brings him closer to the role of 'celestial architect', who lays the foundations of the cult.
The cave, the summit, the spring, the stone are not chosen by man, but revealed by God through Michael, who thus becomes the mediator between heaven and earth.
The cult that arises from these apparitions is strongly rooted in the territory, but at the same time fits into a supranational symbolic network (the 'Via Micaelica', for example), making each sanctuary part of a larger sacred design.
Multimedia content
Images
15th century miniature depicting the legend of Monte Gargano
An artistic representation of the foundation of the sanctuary of San Michele on Mount Gargano, taken from the codex Paris, BN, fr. 51.
Fresco of the foundation legend at the Sacra di San Michele
A fresco depicting the legend of the foundation linked to the Sacra di San Michele, located on the north wall of the old choir inside the Basilica.
Chapelle Saint-Aubert at Mont Saint-Michel
According to legend, it was here that the Archangel Michael appeared to St Aubert, indicating the site for the construction of the church.
Video
The Apparition of St Michael Archangel at Monte Sant'Angelo
A service that tells the story of the apparition of the Archangel Michael on Mount Gargano.
Geo - The Sacra di San Michele
Documentary exploring the history and spirituality of the Sacra di San Michele, symbol of Piedmont.
Sources and references
Liber de Apparitione Sancti Michaelis
Hagiographic text narrating the apparitions of the Archangel Michael on Mount Gargano.
Centre for Micaelici and Garganici Studies
First Apparition of St Michael - Monte Sant'Angelo
Detailed description of the first apparition of the Archangel Michael at Monte Sant'Angelo.
Aubert of Avranches
Biography of the bishop to whom the Archangel Michael appeared, according to the legend linked to Mont Saint-Michel.
Information on the history and works of art in the Sacra di San Michele.
Sacra di San Michele - Works of Art
Monte Sant'Angelo Museum - montesantangelo.it
Sacra di San Michele - sacradisanmichele.com
Mus e de Normandie - musees.normandie.fr
4.4.2 The Liber de Apparitione Sancti Michaelis in Monte Gargano
Genesis and content of the medieval text
The Liber de Apparitione Sancti Michaelis in Monte Gargano is an anonymous hagiographic text, written between the end of the 8th and the beginning of the 9th century, which narrates the miraculous origins of the Sanctuary of St Michael Archangel on Monte Gargano in Apulia. The text is composed of three distinct episodes:
1. The bull episode: A rich man named Gargano tries to shoot an arrow at a lost bull found near a cave; the arrow, however, returns and wounds him. This event is interpreted as a divine sign.
2. The miraculous intervention in battle: During a conflict between the Sipontines and the Neapolitans, the Archangel Michael appears to the bishop of Siponto, promising victory. The following day, the enemies are defeated, strengthening faith in the Archangel's protection.
3. The consecration of the cave: St Michael appears again to the bishop, declaring that he has already consecrated the cave, making it a sacred place without the need for further human rites.
These stories are fundamental to understanding the origin of the Micaelic cult in the West and the sacredness attributed to the sanctuary on Mount Gargano.
Symbolism and spiritual messages of the tale
The Liber is rich in symbolism reflecting the spirituality of the time:
The grotto: Symbol of refuge and meeting between the divine and the human, it represents the heart of the sanctuary and the point of contact with the Archangel.
The bull: A sacred animal in many cultures, here it assumes the role of a guide to the sacred place, indicating the divine will.
The divine consecration: The idea that the cave was consecrated directly by St Michael underlines its importance and the tangible presence of the divine.
These elements help create a powerful image of the Archangel as protector and spiritual guide, reinforcing popular devotion.
Reception and influence in Western Christian culture
The Liber had a wide circulation in the Middle Ages, influencing Christian liturgy and culture:
Liturgical diffusion: the feast day of 8 May, commemoration of the apparition of St Michael, spread throughout Western Europe, testifying to the importance of the micaelic cult.
Influence on other shrines: The story inspired the foundation of other places of worship dedicated to St. Michael, such as Mont Saint-Michel in France, creating a network of Michaelic shrines.
Presence in literature: The Liber was included in hagiographic collections such as the Legenda Aurea, contributing to its dissemination and the perpetuation of the cult of the Archangel.
These aspects highlight how the Liber played a crucial role in the promotion and consolidation of the cult of St Michael in the West.
Multimedia content
Images
15th century miniature depicting the legend of Monte Gargano
An artistic representation of the foundation of the sanctuary of San Michele on Mount Gargano, taken from the codex Paris, BN, fr. 51.
Fresco of the foundation legend at the Sacra di San Michele
A fresco depicting the legend of the foundation linked to the Sacra di San Michele, located on the north wall of the old choir inside the Basilica.
Chapelle Saint-Aubert at Mont Saint-Michel
According to legend, it was here that the Archangel Michael appeared to St Aubert, indicating the site for the construction of the church.
Video
The Apparition of St Michael Archangel at Monte Sant'Angelo
A service that tells the story of the apparition of the Archangel Michael on Mount Gargano.
Apparition of St Michael (8 May)
Video describing the apparition of the Archangel Michael on 8 May, a significant date in the Micael cult.
Sources and references
Liber de apparitione Sancti Michaelis
Hagiographic text narrating the apparitions of the Archangel Michael on Mount Gargano.
Article analysing the bull episode in its historical and hagiographic context.
The hagiographic memory of St Michael on the Gargano. Critical text, translation and commentary
In-depth study of the hagiographic tradition linked to the Gargano's micaelico sanctuary.
AISSCAaisscaweb.it+3Wikipedia+3persee.fr+3
Genesis, characteristics and spread of the Gargano micaelico cult
Analysis of the birth and spread of the cult of St Michael in the Gargano.
4.4.3 Miraculous foundations in the East
The miracle of the spring in Colossi (Turkey)
At the site of Colossi (today Chonai, Turkey), it is said that a man from Laodicea, grateful for the miraculous healing of his mute daughter thanks to a spring revealed by the Archangel Michael, built a church in her honour. A monk named Archippus guarded this sacred place. Some pagans, hostile to the growing Christian community, attempted to destroy the church by diverting two rivers to flood it. The Archangel Michael miraculously intervened, causing an earthquake that opened a fissure in the ground, diverting the waters and saving the sanctuary. This event is commemorated on 6 September in the Orthodox tradition.
The Archangel and the protection of the Christian community
The miracle of Chonai symbolises the Archangel Michael's divine protection of persecuted Christians. The figure of Archippus, who served the sanctuary for sixty years, represents unwavering faith and spiritual dedication. The story emphasises the idea that heavenly protection is manifested through the faith and perseverance of believers.
Byzantine influences in the Orthodox tradition
The cult of St Michael in the East developed in close connection with Byzantine culture. Byzantine iconography represents the Archangel as a celestial warrior, often depicted with armour and a sword, symbols of his fight against evil. Churches and monasteries dedicated to St Michael in Asia Minor and the Balkans reflect Byzantine architecture and art, consolidating his role as protector in the Orthodox tradition.
Multimedia content
Images
Byzantine icon of Archangel Michael
Traditional representation of the Archangel as a celestial warrior, typical of Byzantine art.
Fresco of the foundation legend at the Sacra di San Michele
A fresco depicting the legend of the foundation linked to the Sacra di San Michele, located on the north wall of the old choir inside the Basilica.
Chapelle Saint-Aubert at Mont Saint-Michel
According to legend, it was here that the Archangel Michael appeared to St Aubert, indicating the site for the construction of the church.
Video
The Archangel Michael at Colossae
Video recounting the miracle of the Archangel Michael at Colossi, highlighting his protection over the Christian community.
Sources and references
Commemoration of the miracle of the Archangel Michael at Colossi
Detailed description of the miracle and its importance in Orthodox tradition.
The miracle of Archangel Michael at Chonai near Colossi
Insight into the miracle and its spiritual significance.
The hagiogeography of the Archangel Michael in Byzantine Macedonia and the Kingdom of the Scots
Comparative analysis of the veneration of Archangel Michael in different regions.
4.4.4 Foundation legends in European shrines
The footprint at Mont Saint-Michel
According to a Breton legend, the Archangel Michael left his footprint on the rock of Mont-Dol, near Mont Saint-Michel, during his fight against the Devil. It is said that the Archangel leapt onto Mont Saint-Michel, leaving a visible footprint in the granite, south-east of the tower of the Virgin. In the past, young people wishing to marry within the year would place their foot on this imprint as a propitiatory gesture. Moreover, it is said that an inexhaustible spring sprang from that footprint and feeds the pond at the top of the mound.
Celestial fire and the choice of site in the Sacra di San Michele
Legend has it that the Archangel Michael appeared to St John Vincent, former bishop of Ravenna, ordering him to build a sanctuary on Mount Pirchiriano. During the work, the wood collected mysteriously disappeared, only to reappear miraculously on the top of the mountain.
Furthermore, it is said that a pillar of fire descended from the sky, indicating the exact spot where the church was to be built. The angels themselves are said to have consecrated the chapel, seen at night enveloped in a great fire.
The miracle stone of Skellig Michael
Skellig Michael, an island off the southwest coast of Ireland, is shrouded in legends and mysteries. According to tradition, the Archangel Michael appeared on the island before helping St Patrick drive the snakes out of Ireland. The island became an important monastic centre in the 6th century, founded by St Fionan. The monks built a dry-stone monastery with characteristic beehive-shaped huts, which still testify to their spiritual presence and dedication today.
Multimedia content
Images
Panoramic view of Mont Saint-Michel, a place linked to the legend of the footprint of the Archangel Michael.
Aerial view of the Sacra di San Michele, symbol of Piedmont and protagonist of numerous
legends.
Image of the island of Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to an ancient monastery.
Heritage Ireland
Recommended videos
Mont Saint-Michel
The Legend of Mont-Saint-Michel
A short video narrating the legend of the apparition of the Archangel Michael to Bishop Aubert and the foundation of the sanctuary.
Mont-Saint-Michel: A Journey Through Time
A documentary exploring the history and architectural evolution of Mont Saint-Michel over the centuries.
Sacra di San Michele
The Legend of the Sacra di San Michele
Video recounting the legends connected with the foundation of the Sacra di San Michele, including that of the celestial fire.
Skellig Michael
The Story of Skellig Michael| Drive Thru History with Dave Stotts
A video exploring the history of the island of Skellig Michael, including its spiritual importance and associated legends.
Watch on YouTubeYouTube+1YouTube+1
At the edge of the world, Skellig Michael
Documentary offering an overview of monastic life and facilities on the island.
Sources and references
The siege and the devil's claws at Mont Dol - Saint-Malo
Description of the legend of the Archangel Michael's footprint on Mont-Dol.
Saint-Malo Tourismesaint-malo-tourisme.it+1Visit Val di Susa+1
The Sacra di San Michele and its legends
Insight into the legends surrounding the foundation of the Sacra di San Michele.
Unravelling the History of Skellig Michael
Exploring the history and legends of the island of Skellig Michael.
4.4.5 Apparitions, signs and prodigies as instruments of legitimisation
Celestial signs and visible manifestations
Throughout Christian history, numerous shrines have been founded following extraordinary events interpreted as divine signs. These phenomena, often visible manifestations such as celestial lights, apparitions or miraculous healings, have played a crucial role in consolidating the faith of believers and legitimising the sacredness of certain places.
For example, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France came into being following the Virgin Mary's apparitions to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. The numerous unexplained healings that occurred there have strengthened popular devotion and attracted millions of pilgrims.
Miraculous foundations as 'seals' of divine authority
Narratives of miraculous foundations serve as 'seals' of divine authority, conferring legitimacy and sacredness on shrines. These stories, often passed down orally before being transcribed, tell of direct divine intervention in the choice of location or construction of the shrine.
A significant example is the Sacra di San Michele in Piedmont, where legend has it that the Archangel Michael indicated the exact site for the construction of the sanctuary through a celestial fire. Such tales have consolidated the perception of a direct connection between the divine and the sacred site.
Continuity and adaptation of narratives over time
The narratives of apparitions and prodigies are not static; they evolve over time, adapting to cultural and historical contexts. This process of adaptation ensures the continuing relevance of sacred stories and their ability to inspire new generations of believers.
For example, many Marian apparitions, while having common elements, have variations that reflect the cultural specificities of the communities in which they occur. This narrative flexibility allows sacred stories to retain their symbolic and spiritual power across the centuries.
Multimedia content
Images
Statue of Our Lady of Lourdes in the grotto of Massabielle
Representation of the Virgin Mary at the site of the apparitions to Bernadette Soubirous.
Apparition Chapel - Shrine of Our Lady of Miracles
Interior of the chapel built on the site of a Marian apparition.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Bridge
View of the sanctuary built following a miraculous apparition.
Video
SPIRITUAL HYROSCOPE| Practices and Advice| Celestial Signs
Video exploring the meaning of celestial signs in spirituality.
Sources and references
Apparitions and other Marian manifestations
List of the best-known alleged Marian apparitions and their shrines.
The great season of Marian shrines (14th-16th century)
Study on the expansion and importance of Marian shrines between the 14th and 16th centuries.
The Star of Bethlehem amid miracles and heavenly portents
Analysis of the significance of the Star of Bethlehem as a celestial sign.