Two years later, in 492, the Christian City of Siponoto at the foot of the mountain was besieged by pagan hordes of Odoacre. The city was desperate. Bishop Laurence obtained a three day truce from Odoacre and ordered prayer and penance.

The Archangel appeared to him and promised his help to the townspeople if they would attack the enemy. They trustfully dared. Suddenly a storm broke out, sand and hail rained upon the formations of Odoacre which were terrorized and irretrievably escaped. Siponoto was saved! The Bishop announced a thanksgiving procession and went up with the people atop the Archangel’s mountain but he did not venture into the grotto.