 |
| Relic from the Basilica Santuario San Michele (New York Scugnizzo) |
February 7th is the Feast of San Lorenzo Maiorano, Bishop of Siponto and patron of Manfredonia in Provincia di Foggia, Apulia. According to tradition, the Archangel Michael appeared to the Bishop three times and ordered him to build a chapel on top of the cave on Monte Gargano, once a sanctuary of the god Mithras.
It is said, the first apparition manifested in 490 when a rich lord’s prized bull wondered off and was later discovered kneeling at the mouth of the old Mithraeum. Unable to get the beast to leave, the man shot an arrow at it, but instead of striking the bull the shaft turned around and wounded him. Mystified by the event, the injured man went to consult San Lorenzo, who instructed the citizens to fast and pray for three days. At the end of the third day, the Archangel Michael appeared to the Bishop and said:
“I am Michael the Archangel and am always in the presence of God. I chose the cave that is sacred to me. There will be no more shedding of bull’s blood. Where the rocks open widely, the sins of men may be pardoned. What is asked here in prayer will be granted. Therefore, go up to the mountain cave and dedicate it to the Christian God.”
Confused and doubting his faculties, San Lorenzo dismissed the vision.
 |
| The Tauroctony New York Scugnizzo |
Two years later, Siponto came under attack by a barbarian host. At the brink of capitulation, St. Michael (with flaming sword in hand) again visited the Bishop, promising to break the siege and save the city if the Sipontini would take the fight to the invaders. Heartened by the news, the defenders abandoned the safety of their walls and charged their foe on the field of battle. A violent storm of hail and lightning miraculously whipped up in support and the barbarous enemy were completely routed. The victory is commemorated on May 8th.
Revealing himself for a third time, the Archangel Michael commanded San Lorenzo to go into the cave. Upon entering, the Bishop discovered an altar with a scarlet cloth, a cross, and a footprint in the stone, said to be St. Michael’s. Consecrated by the Angel himself, San Lorenzo and the people of Siponto celebrated Mass for the first time in the grotto on September 29, 493.
In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to San Lorenzo Maiorano. The accompanying photo of the relic from the Sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo sul Gargano was taken during the 2nd Annual Feast of St. Michael the Archangel at Most Precious Blood Church in Little Italy, New York. The photo of the mid-2nd-early-3rd century A.D. bronze relief of Mithras slaying the bull (Tauroctony), was taken at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. San Lorenzo Maiorano, ora pro nobis.
Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of San Lorenzo Maiorano may effectually move us to reform our lives; that while we celebrate his festival, we may also imitate his actions. Look upon our weakness, almighty God, and since the burden of our own deeds weighs heavily upon us, may the glorious intercession of San Lorenzo protect us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
