SIXTH SCENE
It was the 18th October 1892.
Maria and the old women tell a friend about the miraculous events that happened the day St. Gabriel’s body was exhumed.
Maria
... It was the 18th October 1892 … thirty years after his death. The pouring rain of a sudden thunderstorm left everything perfectly dry, to everyone’s surprise and amazement...
Gadina
... Erislia managed to rest her head on the coffin containing Gabriel’s bones and said: “If you really are a saint, heal me!”
Maria
She felt something in her head and her terrible pain disappeared immediately. I, Maria, was there. I suffered strong pains in the chest and legs. I went to the church in the hopes of being cured – since then I have been fine …
Peppa
… Seven healings took place that day. Brother Silvestro who had tuberculosis was healed …
Leondina
.. And Giuseppe Mattioli, a seven year old child, visiting Isola fell from the Conception Bridge, thirty metres …
Felicetta
He fell on a massive rock, but he didn’t die and was dedicated to St Gabriel. He was completely healed in a few days …
Maria
... Also Maria Mozzarelli, who had consumption of the lungs and bones, went barefoot to the church and was suddenly cured. It was the first pilgrimage to what became the sanctuary of St. Gabriel …