there is a cave about five minutes from the parish, which, legend has it, depending upon whom you speak with, was the birthplace of st francis of assisi, the site of an apparition of st francis, or the home of a fransiscan priest for many years. nevertheless, the cave has become a pilgrimage site for many dominicans, and every october 4th, the feast of st. francis, thousands of people flock to the base of the small mountain and make the hike up to the cave to adore the statue of st francis and hear the bishop celebrate Mass.
the climb is no small hike, about 600 vertical feet. a botanist who was visiting one day saw a rose tree and decided to do a little research on it and discovered that the rose that grows on this mountain can not be found anywhere else in the world - not even on the island itself - it has been named after st francis.
the entrance to the cave is impressive, as it resides about 3/4 of the way up the face of the mountain. there is a bee hive which greets visitors on the ceiling immediately after entering. there is also a cross mounted in the ground upon which people place rocks as a sign of a particular vow or promise or resolution they might make as they enter or depart the cave.
in the accompanying photo album you will also note that the picture of the face of the Blessed Mother on the rock face was not carved. according to those with whom i have spoken, it has always been there, it just appeared. a close inspection of said rock reveals no chip marks, no chisel indentations, nothing but an absolutely clean, unmarred rock. intriguing to be sure. enjoy the photos.
the cave, part i
the climb is no small hike, about 600 vertical feet. a botanist who was visiting one day saw a rose tree and decided to do a little research on it and discovered that the rose that grows on this mountain can not be found anywhere else in the world - not even on the island itself - it has been named after st francis.
the entrance to the cave is impressive, as it resides about 3/4 of the way up the face of the mountain. there is a bee hive which greets visitors on the ceiling immediately after entering. there is also a cross mounted in the ground upon which people place rocks as a sign of a particular vow or promise or resolution they might make as they enter or depart the cave.
in the accompanying photo album you will also note that the picture of the face of the Blessed Mother on the rock face was not carved. according to those with whom i have spoken, it has always been there, it just appeared. a close inspection of said rock reveals no chip marks, no chisel indentations, nothing but an absolutely clean, unmarred rock. intriguing to be sure. enjoy the photos.
the cave, part i
