ROME suffered from a great plague in the late sixth century AD. Pope Gregory the Great, pleading with God for mercy from the deadly epidemic, saw a vision above the ancient Mausoleum of Hadrian. Michael the Archangel – God’s warrior against the forces of evil – stood aloft, sheathing his mighty sword. The pope knew then that this signified God’s response to the suffering Roman people. The plague was over. That story gives that edifice the name we know now: Castel Sant’Angelo.
From burial monument to papal fortress, prison to today’s museum, Castel Sant’Angelo remains a
bulwark along the Tiber. Its stalwart walls do not repel today’s enemy hordes, mind you, but invite
them to ponder the centuries of change steeped into the bones of the city.
Yet most will miss the greatest of Rome’s marvels.
The Eternal City does still sparkle with its masterpieces of art and architecture, its delights old and new, such as the recently opened Museum of Illusions, continually drawing the crowds of adventurers as they have for age upon age. Wave upon wave of travelers, swarming about this capital of the worldwide Roman church, power through with smartphones guiding them to the next step on their itinerary, whether the must-see sights or the latest new restaurant. Dodging traffic, they hit one location to the next, consuming as much of the vibrant history, culture, and art as the day will allow, checking bucket lists as they go.
If any tourist would afford more than a curious glance, he or she may come to ponder the mystery towering over Castel Sant’Angelo and not merely the reproduction of Pope Gregory’s heavenly visitor. Such an encounter may even spark wonder about the mystery flowing from the living God who sent the angel. But unfortunately, the sightseer often contents himself with the earthly veneer of that mystery, enchanted by the beauty draping the piazzas and cathedral walls.
The wellspring inspiring pilgrim souls for centuries to trek to Rome from all corners, through hills and valleys or across the ocean seas, lies deeper. The manmade glories of Rome capture almost nothing of that eternity they seek to honor. As imposing as Castel Sant’Angelo’s façade may be, neither it nor even St. Peter’s Basilica itself can hope to match the splendor of God’s angel announcing salvation from the plague of death.
And that mysterious visit from the archangel cannot compare to the presence of Christ Himself,
containing the majesty of the Divine Light reaching the hearts in every Eucharistic celebration offered in His Name.
We at Seelos Brauhaus humbly accept that the best our meager human efforts can muster is a pale
shadow of the splendor of the angels. But, armed with strong faith, we hope to inspire all to join in the battle against darkness, unified under the banner of the angelic warrior-prince with his namesake Archangel ale in hand. So gird your loins this Oktoberfest and join our happy band in the celebration of life over death – and maybe, looking closely, we might see a vision St. Michael enjoying a pint or two along with us!
Prost!
Deacon Mike Cardella, Chaplain
