Saint michael archangel

Who Is Saint Michael The Archangel?

Saint Michael the Archangel is an important figure in the Christian faith, known and respected by many believers. He is an angel mentioned in several books of the Bible, including the Book of Daniel and the Book of Revelation. His name means "Who is like God?" and he is often referred to as the "Prince of the Heavenly Host" and the "Defender of the Faith."

Saint Michael is often depicted as a warrior with a sword and shield, standing over a dragon or a serpent, which symbolizes his victory over evil and his role as a protector of God's people. He is known as a spiritual warrior who guards against evil and protects the faithful.

In Catholic teachings, Saint Michael is one of the archangels and the leader of the army of angels who fought against Satan and his followers during the War in Heaven. This war was a battle between good and evil, and Saint Michael played an important role in defending God's kingdom. He is seen as a defender of the faith, who protects believers from harm and guides them in their spiritual journey.

Saint Michael In the Bible

The Bible speaks of Saint Michael in several passages, highlighting his role as a spiritual warrior and protector of God's people. One of the most well-known passages can be found in the Book of Revelation. In this passage, there is a great battle in heaven between Michael and his angels and the dragon (who represents Satan) and his angels. The battle ends with Michael and his angels emerging victorious, casting out the dragon from heaven forever. The passage emphasizes the importance of Saint Michael in the fight against evil and his role as a defender of God's kingdom.

"And there was a great battle in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon, and the dragon fought, and his angels. And they prevailed not: neither was their place found any more in heaven. And that great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, who seduceth the whole world." (Rev. 12:7-9)

Saint Michael appears in the Bible three other times as well, including in the book of Daniel. In this passage, Michael is referred to as the "great prince" who stands for the children of God's people. The passage speaks of a time of great trouble when Michael will rise up and help save God's people from harm. The passage emphasizes Saint Michael's role as a protector of the faithful, who will be there to guide and defend them in times of need.

"But at that time shall Michael rise up, the great prince, who standeth for the children of thy people: and a time shall come, such as never was from the time that nations began, even until that time. And at that time shall thy people be saved, every one that shall be found written in the book." (Daniel 12:1)

Through these passages, the Bible highlights the significance of Saint Michael in the Christian faith, and his role as a spiritual protector and defender. Believers are called upon to seek Saint Michael's intercession in times of trouble and to trust in his guidance and protection. Saint Michael's appearances in the Bible serve as a reminder to believers that they are never alone in their spiritual battles, and that they have a powerful ally in the fight against evil.

Saint michael mosaic

Mosaic of Saint Michael on the Serbian Orthodox Church facade in Trieste.

Saint Michael’s Roles Within the Catholic Church

Saint Michael the Archangel is an important figure in the Roman Catholic Church, with several roles and responsibilities attributed to him. His role as the commander of the Army of God, his role as the angel of death, his role as the weigher of souls, and his role as the guardian of the Church are significant in Catholic teachings.

These roles highlight Saint Michael's importance as a powerful spiritual warrior, protector, judge, and guide. Believers look to him for guidance, protection, and intercession in times of need, knowing that he is always there to defend them against the forces of evil and guide them toward salvation.

Role as Commander of the Army of God

As the commander of the Army of God, Saint Michael is seen as a powerful spiritual warrior who fights against the forces of evil. He is believed to have led the army of angels in a great battle against Satan and his followers during the War in Heaven, as described in the book of Revelation. His victory in this battle is seen as a symbol of his strength and power in the spiritual realm.

Saint Michael's role as a leader of the army of angels also extends to his role as a protector of God's people. Believers look to him for guidance and protection in their spiritual battles, knowing that he is always there to defend them against the forces of evil.

Role as Angel of Death

Saint Michael's role as the angel of death is another important aspect of his character in Catholic teachings. According to these teachings, he descends upon people during their final hour, giving each soul an opportunity to redeem itself. This moment is often seen as a critical juncture in a person's spiritual journey, and Saint Michael's intercession is sought to guide them toward salvation.

Once a person's soul has been redeemed, Saint Michael is believed to carry it to heaven. This role emphasizes his role as a powerful and merciful guide in the afterlife.

Role as Weigher of Souls

Saint Michael's role as the weigher of souls is a significant aspect of his character in Catholic teachings. According to these teachings, after a person dies, their soul is weighed by Saint Michael on his perfectly balanced scale. This weighing is seen as a crucial moment in a person's spiritual journey, as it determines their destination in the afterlife.

This role emphasizes Saint Michael's position as a just and fair judge, ensuring that each person is held accountable for their actions in life. It underscores the importance of leading a virtuous and righteous life, with the knowledge that one's actions will be weighed and judged by Saint Michael in the afterlife. Believers view this as an opportunity to strive towards moral excellence and spiritual growth in their daily lives, with the hope of achieving eternal salvation.

Role as Guardian of the Church

As the guardian of the Church, Saint Michael is an important figure in Catholic teachings, responsible for protecting it from harm and guiding its members on their spiritual journey. This role emphasizes his importance as a spiritual protector and guide, helping believers to stay on the path of righteousness and defend against the forces of evil.

The Church is seen as a sacred institution, entrusted with the spiritual well-being of its members. As such, Saint Michael's role as its guardian is significant, as it ensures that the Church is protected from harm and guided on the path of righteousness. Believers look to Saint Michael for guidance and protection, knowing that he is there to defend them against the forces of evil that seek to corrupt and destroy the Church.

Moreover, Saint Michael's role as the guardian of the Church highlights his importance as a spiritual guide. Believers look to him for guidance and inspiration, knowing that he is there to help them on their spiritual journey. He is seen as a powerful ally in the spiritual realm, guiding believers toward righteousness and salvation.

Saint michael african church

Architectural detail in the St. Michael Nkembo church in the African town of Libreville in Gabon.

Saint Michael's Feast Day

The feast day of Saint Michael the Archangel is celebrated on September 29th in the Roman Catholic Church, and is also recognized in other Christian denominations. This day is also known as the Feast of Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, and Saint Raphael, or the Feast of the Archangels.

On this day, believers honor Saint Michael and his fellow archangels, Saint Gabriel and Saint Raphael, who are also important figures in the Christian faith. The day is typically marked with special masses and services, as well as with prayer and reflection on the significance of the archangels in Christian teachings.

The feast day of Saint Michael is an important day for believers to reflect on Saint Michael's role as a spiritual protector and guide, and to seek his intercession in times of need. It is a day to celebrate the power of faith and to recognize the importance of spiritual strength and resilience in the face of evil.

Many believers also use this day to offer prayers and devotions to Saint Michael, asking for his guidance, protection, and intercession in their daily lives. This may include lighting candles in his honor, reciting prayers or mantras, or offering up offerings and sacrifices in his name.

Saint Michael’s Veneration Outside Catholicism

Saint Michael the Archangel is not only venerated within the Catholic Church but also in various spiritual practices and belief systems outside of Catholicism. In the Afro-Caribbean religions of Santeria, Yoruba, Hoodoo, and Voodoo, Saint Michael is often syncretized with African deities and worshipped as a powerful protector and warrior figure.

In Santeria and Yoruba, Saint Michael is often associated with Orisha Ogun, the god of war and iron. He is called upon for protection, justice, and spiritual strength. In Hoodoo and Voodoo, Saint Michael is associated with the lwa (spirits) Ogou and Met Kalfou, who are also revered as powerful warriors and protectors.

In these spiritual practices, Saint Michael is often invoked for a variety of purposes, including protection from harm, defeating enemies, and gaining courage and strength in the face of adversity. He is also called upon for guidance in spiritual battles and for assistance in achieving spiritual growth and enlightenment.

Beyond the Afro-Caribbean religions, Saint Michael is also revered in New Age and occult beliefs. Some New Age practitioners associate him with the element of fire and view him as a symbol of courage, strength, and spiritual purification. In occultism, he is sometimes associated with the Qabalistic Sephirah Geburah, which represents strength, justice, and severity.

Saint Michael’s Depiction in Art and Literature

Throughout history, Saint Michael has been a prominent figure in art, literature, and architecture. He is often depicted as a powerful warrior, with a helmet, sword, and shield, standing over defeated enemies such as dragons and serpents or even Satan himself. In some depictions, he is shown piercing Satan with a lance, symbolizing his victory over evil.

One of the most famous literary depictions of Saint Michael is in John Milton's epic poem, Paradise Lost. In this work, Michael leads the army of angels in a rebellion against the forces of Satan. He engages in personal combat with Satan and ultimately defeats him by wounding him with a sword from God's armory. This portrayal emphasizes Saint Michael's strength and power in the spiritual realm.

In addition to art and literature, Saint Michael is also a prominent figure in architecture across the globe. For example, there is a statue of Saint Michael atop the Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, a famous landmark that has served various roles over the centuries, including as a fortress and a papal residence. The Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, France, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination, is another important structure that bears Saint Michael's name. Saint Michael's golden-domed monastery in Kiev, Ukraine, is also a significant architectural structure that attracts visitors from around the world.

Overall, the various depictions of Saint Michael in art, literature, and architecture emphasize his importance as a powerful spiritual figure and a symbol of strength and protection in the face of evil.

Mont st michel normandy france

The Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, France.

Who Is Saint Michael The Patron Saint Of?

Saint Michael is considered the patron saint of various groups and causes. In the Catholic Church, he is the patron saint of soldiers, police officers, and paramedics, as well as grocers, mariners, and the sick. He is also the patron saint of many cities and countries around the world, including Brussels, Kiev, and Ukraine.

Praying To Saint Michael for Protection and Guidance

Many people will pray to Saint Michael, looking for spiritual guidance and protection from evil. When faced with a spiritual battle, Saint Michael is thought to provide safety. This often employs the use of a devotional candle, used both in the church and in the home. The candle’s flame symbolizes the prayer offered up to God.

In 1884, Pope Leo XIII wrote the Prayer to Saint Michael. He was inspired by a vision he had when he fell unconscious after directing mass one day. Supposedly during this time, Poe Leo XIII had a vision of evil spirits engaging in a fierce attack against the Lord’s church. It is reported that when he works up from his unconscious state he said, “What a horrible picture I was permitted to see!” He felt that it was important to write a prayer to Saint Michael that would help him get through the upcoming century when Satan would have more power over the wicked. He asked that the prayer be said after Mass to help ward against evil spirits. The English translation of the Latin text reads as follows:

Blessed Michael, Archangel,
defend us in the hour of conflict;
be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God restrain him, we humbly pray;
And do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God, thrust, down to hell, Satan,
and with him the other wicked spirits
who wander through the world for the ruin of souls.
Amen.

There are many other prayers dedicated to Saint Michael that are used for protection, guidance, removing negative energies, and other purposes.

Using Saint Michael Devotional Candles

The use of Saint Michael candles is a popular form of devotion and spiritual practice among many believers. The candles are often used for protection, guidance, and intercession in times of spiritual need. Lighting a candle in honor of Saint Michael is seen to invite his presence and assistance in times of spiritual warfare and to seek his protection from evil forces.

Saint Michael candles typically feature an image of the archangel along with prayers or invocations to him. Believers may light the candle while reciting prayers or mantras and focus their thoughts and intentions on seeking Saint Michael's guidance and protection.

Many believers use Saint Michael candles in their homes, placing them on altars or other sacred spaces. They may also be used in churches or other places of worship, to honor Saint Michael and seek his intercession.

The use of Saint Michael candles is not limited to any specific denomination or faith, as many believers from various backgrounds and traditions use them as a form of spiritual practice. However, they are particularly popular among Catholics, as Saint Michael holds a special significance in Catholic teachings.

Saint Michael: A Powerful Ally in Faith

Because of his roles as a spiritual warrior, protector, judge, and guide, it’s no wonder that Saint Michael the Archangel holds a significant place within the Christian faith. As believers, we seek his intercession and guidance in times of spiritual warfare and look to him for protection from the forces of evil. Saint Michael's appearances in the Bible highlight his significance in the fight against evil and his role as a defender of God's kingdom.

It's not surprising that Saint Michael's veneration extends beyond the Catholic Church, as he is revered in various spiritual practices and belief systems, including Santeria, Yoruba, Hoodoo, Voodoo, New Age, and occultism. His importance as a powerful protector and warrior figure is emphasized in art, literature, and architecture throughout history.

Saint Michael the Archangel will continue to serve as a symbol of strength, protection, and guidance for many believers, providing a powerful source of inspiration and support in their spiritual journeys.