The Church St. Michael the Archangel Consecrated Himself

High on Monte Gargano in southern Italy stands one of Christianity's most extraordinary shrines—a church unlike almost any other in the world.

According to an ancient tradition dating to the fifth century, St. Michael the Archangel appeared here and declared the cave sacred. The sanctuary became known as the Celestial Basilica, traditionally believed to have been consecrated not by human hands, but by St. Michael himself.

In this episode, Cyndi explores the remarkable story of the Sanctuary of St. Michael the Archangel at Monte Gargano—the apparitions associated with it, the miracles and victories connected to the shrine, and why saints and popes have traveled there for centuries.

You'll also discover why figures including St. Francis of Assisi, St. Padre Pio, and St. John Paul II were drawn to Gargano—and why stones from this ancient sanctuary have been associated with devotion to St. Michael and prayers for protection.

What is it about this cave that has drawn pilgrims for more than 1,500 years?