St Michael the Archangel

Patron of: grocers, mariners, police, paratroopers, paramedics, sick people, Germans, as well as guardian and protector of the Jewish people.

Feastday: September 29, historically May 8 with other local feasts.

Attributes: an Archangel, Michael is often shown treading over a serpent, demon or satan, carrying a banner or holding scales of justice.

St Michael the Archangel is referred to in the Holy Bible as the “chief prince” of the angels. One of seven Archangels, his name refers to the warcry, “Who is like to God?” (from the Hebrew “who is like El?”), the rhetorical answer being no one is like God. This warcry can be seen on the St Michael’s shield in the statue inside our Church.

He is referred to specifically in Daniel 12 “At that time shall arise(A) Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people.” Daniel also refers to him again as the only one who would help him.

In Revelations, St Michael is referred to as leading the Angels to fight against satan. Christian tradition holds that St Michael is a principal strategist and soldier of the Lord.

St Michael is not only simply an important figure for Christians, he is important to Jewish people as well. According to St Jude, Moses fought over satan for the body of Moses, and it is said that he guards the body of Eve.

According to Scripture, St Michael holds four offices:

To fight against satan.To rescue the souls of the faithful from the power of the enemy, especially at the hour of death.To be the champion of God’s people, the Jews in the Old Law, the Christians in the New Testament; therefore he was the patron of the Church, and of the orders of knights during the Middle Ages.To call away from earth and bring men’s souls to judgment

Sourced from New Advent and Catholic.org.

Prayer to St Michael

Pope Leo XIII wrote this prayer to St Michael, which he asked to be prayed after Mass. Although the practice of reciting prayers after Mass was suppressed in 1964, Pope John Paul II referred specifically to this prayer in 1994 and asked that it be recited.

Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host –
by the Divine Power of God –
cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits,
who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

Novena to St Michael the Archangel:

Saint Michael the Archangel, loyal champion of God and His people, I turn to you with confidence and seek your powerful intercession.

For the love of God, Who made you so glorious in grace and power, and for the love of the Mother of Jesus, the Queen of the Angels, be pleased to hear my prayer.

You know the value of my soul in the eyes of God. May no stain of evil ever disfigure its beauty. Help me to conquer the evil spirit who tempts me. I desire to imitate your loyalty to God and Holy Mother Church and your great love for God and men. And since you are God’s messenger for the care of His people, I entrust to you this special request:

(Mention your request)

Saint Michael, since you are, by the Will of the Creator, the powerful intercessor of Christians, I have great confidence in your prayers. I earnestly trust that if it is God’s holy will my petition will be granted.

Pray for me, Saint Michael, and also for those I love. Protect us in all dangers of body and soul. Help us in our daily needs.

Through your powerful intercession, may we live a holy life, die a happy death, and reach heaven where we may praise and love God with you
forever. Amen.

In thanksgiving to God for the graces bestowed on St. Michael: one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be.

Another version of this Novena can be prayed at any time, but is advised to start on May 1 and read daily until May 9. The full Novena includes intentions to other Saints and can be found here.