A MIRACLE UNFOLDS
Italy takes you on a timeless travel to Sardinia to sense the mystery
of miracles. As one of the most ancient lands in Europe, Sardinia
has been through the Paeolithic Age, the Neolithic Age, right down
to the present age. Displaying its ancient legacy, Sardinia unfolds
her secret heritage with the age-old ‘Nuraghe’, its
old architectural structure, the Domus de Janas, holy wells, temples
and the mystic giant tombs, which are huge stones fixed deep into
the ground called ‘betili’ or ‘menhir’ which
stem from the megalithic architecture. There are 7,000 Nuraghi and
hundreds of archaeological monuments that are found in profusion
around its countryside. With a tangible background of mystery, it
is natural that Sardinia should celebrate the Sagra di San Efisio
or the Festival of Saint Efisio in Cagliari, Italy, beginning May
1st to May 4th from 9 a.m. onwards.
 The
island of Sardinia teems with the spirit of religiosity and a subtle
carnival air as it plays host to a colorful parade and a myriad
cultural activities. Part of its activities involves the Palio at
the Ippodromo del Poetto (Poet’s Hippodrome) on the 2nd of
May followed by a memorable concert for Peace. The statue of Saint
Efisio is taken to Nora in a procession by the pilgrims and the
citizens and finally taken back to the Sant’Efisio Church
on May 4th.
The story of Saint Efisio is a miracle in itself. Saint Efisius
was actually a Roman emissary and the commanding officer of the
Roman army. He was sent to Sardinia by the Emperor Diocletian of
Rome in the 3rd century A.D., to topple the Christians there. As
he traveled over the seas, from his ship, he saw a cross in the
sky and heard the voice of God speaking to him. He was commanded
by God to do His work in Sardinia. Efisius was more than surprised
and as soon as he arrived in Sardinia, he started God’s work.
The Emperor tried hard to make him stop, but Efisius went on spreading
the Word of God. Diocletian’s successor, Flavian was angry
and he ordered Efisius to be arrested and executed. Efisius prayed
and asked God that he might be allowed to intervene on behalf of
the city to protect the city from evil and its enemies. He pleaded
with God to grant every prayer within the city walls. Efisius was
imprisoned in Cagliari and then moved in secrecy to the coast of
Cagliari. He was beheaded by a Roman soldier on the beach of Nora.
The people made Efisius the patron saint and the protector of the
city.
 As
the miracle of Saint Efisius spread, in 1652, the terrible plague
attacked the city of Sardinia. the people of Sardinia turned to
their martyred saint who had been beheaded in the year 303. The
church in Cagliari was dedicated to him and his place of imprisonment
became a spiritual worshipping shrine. A small and charming church
marks the spot where he was beheaded in Nora, but was taken over
by the sea. With the patron saint protecting Sardinia, thousands
of medieval clad crowds converge to the shrine of Saint Efisio.
Sardinia’s lovely wild beauty and spiritual air invites the
intrepid traveler to witness a miracle filled with tradition, the
travel of time and tempestuous secrets.
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