In 590, a terrible plague was ravaging Rome. The city was gripped by panic and despair. Pope Gregory I, helpless in the face of the disease, implored divine help through prayers and processions.
The Apparition:
On May 8, as the papal procession reached the Mausoleum of Hadrian, Gregory I looked up to the sky and had an extraordinary vision. Saint Michael the Archangel, resplendent with light, stood above the mausoleum, sheathing his sword in its scabbard.
Interpretation:
Pope Gregory interpreted this vision as a sign that the end of the epidemic was near. He ordered a solemn procession to give thanks to God and Saint Michael.
Consequences:
As the vision predicted, the plague died out shortly thereafter. The event deeply marked the Romans and strengthened their devotion to Saint Michael, who became the patron saint of the city.
The Mausoleum of Hadrian and Castel Sant'Angelo:
The Mausoleum of Hadrian, built in the 2nd century AD, was transformed into a fortress in the Middle Ages and took the name of Castel Sant'Angelo. A statue of Saint Michael the Archangel was erected on top of the castle in commemoration of his apparition.
Historical Significance:
The apparition of Saint Michael on the Mausoleum of Hadrian is an important event in the history of Rome. It illustrates the deep faith of the Romans and their devotion to their patron saints. This story has also had a lasting impact on art and architecture, inspiring many works of art and religious monuments.
Tomiandreas, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_(archangel)#/media/File:S._Miguel_Arcanjo.jpg
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