Saint Michael’s Sword will leave Italy for the first time in history for an official visit to Paraguay in October 2026. The sword will arrive at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport on 8 October before beginning its journey through several Paraguayan cities. In Catholic tradition, Saint Michael is associated with protection and the fight against evil. The sword, according to the Archdiocese of Asunción, represents spiritual struggle rather than physical violence.
The main celebration will take place on 9 October at 19:00 at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Asunción. The programme will continue in Asunción before travelling to Caacupé on 11 and 12 October, and Villarrica on 13 and 14 October. San Lorenzo will host the visit from 15 to 17 October. The sword will then return to Asunción for a farewell Mass on 18 October before departing Paraguay on 19 October.
From Italy to Paraguay
The sword comes from Monte Sant’Angelo, in Italy’s Apulia region, on the Gargano promontory. The town is home to the ancient Sanctuary of Saint Michael and its Sacred Grotto. The site has attracted pilgrims for more than 1,500 years and forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sanctuary belongs to a group of historic Longobard sites across Italy recognised by UNESCO for their cultural significance.
According to the Archdiocese of Asunción and the Italian sanctuary, the sword will leave Italy for the first time in its history. Its visit was organised through cooperation between the Paraguayan Embassy to the Holy See, the Archdiocese of Asunción and the Sanctuary of Saint Michael in Monte Sant’Angelo.
The visit also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Michaelite Fathers’ missionary presence in Paraguay. The congregation arrived from Poland in 1976 and began its pastoral work in the Diocese of Villarrica. That mission also marked the beginning of its presence in Latin America. The official delegation travelling from the Italian sanctuary will include its rector, Father Ladislao Suchy, and vice-rector, Father Marco Arciszewski.
A symbol of faith and protection
In Catholic tradition, Saint Michael is associated with protection and the fight against evil. The Archdiocese explains that Saint Michael’s sword represents spiritual struggle rather than physical violence. Its meaning is understood as symbolic rather than magical.
The sword is connected to the biblical image of the “sword of the Spirit”, understood in Christianity as the Word of God. Saint Michael is traditionally portrayed fighting evil, while his name means “Who is like God?” The Archdiocese also connects the sword’s symbolism with justice, discernment and the defence of what is good. For Catholic communities, the sword’s arrival offers an opportunity for prayer, reflection and devotion.
Further information about the programme and activities is available from the Archdiocese of Asunción on Instagram.
