St. Michael the Archangel
Prince of the Heavenly Host, Defender against Evil
Feast Day: September 29
Biography
St. Michael the Archangel is one of the three angels named in Sacred Scripture and holds a place of supreme importance in Catholic tradition. His name means 'Who is like God?' — a rhetorical battle cry against the pride of Lucifer. In the Book of Daniel, Michael is described as 'the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people.' In the Book of Revelation, he leads the heavenly armies in the great cosmic battle: 'Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon... The great dragon was hurled down — that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray.' Catholic tradition invokes St. Michael as the protector of the Church, the guardian of the faithful against the assaults of the devil, and the angel who accompanies souls to judgment. The famous Prayer to St. Michael was composed by Pope Leo XIII in 1886 after he reportedly received a mystical vision of the spiritual battle raging for the Church. For decades it was prayed after every Low Mass, and many parishes have restored the practice.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
St. 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 hosts, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Michael the Archangel, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Michael the Archangel, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.