For 15 centuries, the enigmatic path of St. Michael the Archangel has captivated Christians and historians alike. This revered pilgrimage route connects seven shrines dedicated to the archangel, spanning from Ireland to Israel.
A Divine Alignment
The Sacred Line, as it’s known, is a straight path linking churches, caves, and shrines built between the 5th and 12th centuries for the devotion of St. Michael, the archangel. These sites share peculiar characteristics reminiscent of biblical elements: high mountain locations, water sources, and solid rock foundations. According to angelologist Fr. Marcello Stanzione, the line aligns precisely with the summer solstice sunset in the northern hemisphere, symbolizing St. Michael’s triumph over darkness.
Seven Shrines of Devotion
Each shrine arose from St. Michael’s manifestations, encouraging Christian worship:
1. Skellig Michael (Ireland): 6th-century monastic dwellings, linked to St. Patrick’s devotion.
2. St. Michael’s Mount (England): 5th-century angelic intervention saving fishermen.
3. Mont Saint-Michel (France): 8th-century apparition to Bishop Aubert.
4. Sacra di San Michele (Italy): 10th-century manifestation to hermit Giovanni Vincenzo.
5. Grotto of St. Michael (Italy): 5th-century apparition to Bishop Lorenzo Maiorano.
6. Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis (Greece): 12th-century demand for a church.
7. Stella Maris Monastery (Israel): 12th-century hermits’ devotion to St. Michael.
A Mysterious Connection
Research reveals that three shrines – Mont-Saint-Michel, Sacra di San Michele, and Grotto of Mount Gargano – are exactly 1,000 kilometres apart. These sacred sites have welcomed illustrious pilgrims seeking graces and favors from St. Michael.
A Testament to Faith
The Sacred Line of St. Michael the Archangel stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and devotion. This ancient pilgrimage route continues to inspire and fascinate, inviting believers to walk in the footsteps of the archangel’s divine protection.