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SAINT MICHAEL,
the Archangel,
defend us in battle,
be our defense 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 power of God,
thrust into Hell Satan
and the other evil spirits
who prowl about the world
for the ruin of souls.
Amen.
St. Michael, the Archangel
Feastday: September 29
The name Michael signifies "Who is like to God?" and was the warcry of the good angels in the battle fought in heaven against satan and his followers. Holy Scripture describes St. Michael as "one of the chief princes," and leader of the forces of heaven in their triumph over the powers of hell. He has been especially honored and invoked as patron and protector by the Church from the time of the Apostles. Although he is always called "the Archangel," the Greek Fathers and many others place him over all the angels - as Prince of the Seraphim. St. Michael is the patron of grocers, mariners, paratroopers, police and sickness.
First defender of Jesus Christ in his Sacred Humanity and of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Mystery of the Incarnation.
Associated with the miracles manifesting the almighty power of God with the Blessed Virgin Mary . ( Daniel 10:12 ; 12:1 ; Apoc. 12:7 )
Patron of grocers, mariners, paratroopers, police, and sickness
Regardless of which major faith's angelic beings is being followed, Michael ranks as the highest of the host. With Gabriel, Michael is the only angel mentioned in the Christian Bible. In the original Bible, before Martin Luther had books removed, Raphael was also named in the book of Tobit. In the Aggadah, he is seen as the guardian of Israel. He is the head of all the great warring angels who do battle against evil. Michael is often depicted as winged and with unsheathed sword. In the Renaissance period, he is shown as young, strong, and handsome, wearing a splendid coat of mail and equipped with sword, shield and spear. His wings are generally conspicuous and very grand. He usually holds in his hand the scales of justice.
In Muslim lore, Michael's wings are said to be "the color of green emerald," and he is covered with "Saffron hairs, each of them containing a million faces and mouths and as many tongues which, in a million dialects, implore the pardon of Allah."
The name Michael signifies "Who is like to God?" and was the war cry of the angels in the battle fought in heaven against Satan and his followers. Holy Scripture describes St. Michael as "one of the chief princes," and as leader of the forces of heaven in their triumph over the powers of hell. He has been especially honored and invoked as patron and protector by the Church from the time of the Apostles. Although he is always called "the Archangel," the Greek Fathers and many others place him over all the Angels - as Prince of the Seraphim.
Michael is the protection Archangel, patron of policemen and bringer of the gift of patience. Angel of careers, courage, achievements, ambitions, motivation, and life tasks. He is the great prince charged to defend the people.
Legend tells that the Cherubim were formed from the tears Michael shed over the sins of the faithful.
God has created the Archangel Michael and put him in charge of nature, rain, snow, thunder, lightning, wind, and clouds. God has appointed a complete creation of angels to assist him and placed them under his command. These angels are countless and no-one other than God knows their number. God has given Michael power to see the entire span of the created universes at once, with no interference of other universes. He knows at all times where he has to send rain, wind, snow, and clouds without effort on his part. The angels who assist him range in size from the hugest size imaginable to man to that of the smallest species living on this earth. They fill the entire atmosphere of every star and planet in every universe. Their praise to God can be heard by the other angels, by prophets, by saints, and by young children.
Michael is the angel of mercy which is another name for rain in Arabic. He is created from the light of God's attribute al-Rahman, "the Merciful." He was never seen smiling after hell was created. He was created before Gabriel.
Archangel Michael is believed to have appeared to Moses as the fire in the burning bush, and to have rescued Daniel from the lions' den. To Christians, he's the angel who informed Mary of her approaching death.
Once upon a time, Gabriel and Michael visited the Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him. The latter had a toothstick in hand which he immediately handed to Gabriel, the angel who constantly brought him Revelation. Gabriel said: "O Muhammad! give it to the elder angel." The Prophet gave it to Michael.
The Prophet said: "God gave me two celestial assistants to help me deliver my Message: Gabriel and Michael." He used always to send for Gabriel and Michael concerning matters important to human beings.
The caller to prayer (muezzin) in the heavens is Gabriel and the prayer-leader (imam) is Michael. God created a house for Himself in Paradise (al-Bayt al-Ma`mur) to which the angels make pilgrimage every day five times. There, five prayer-services are held and every service is heralded by Gabriel and led by Michael. The angels all come with their lights and ornaments, their jewels and fragrances, chanting and praising God with their heavenly music. Some people on earth, especially children, are able to hear their voices. This sound gives them indescribable pleasure. Every angel chants and praises in a different language without clash or disharmony. All are pleading to God for mercy for human beings and asking Him to elevate the state of people so that they can hear and see these daily ceremonies. To reward the angels for their praise, for the sincerity of their intercession, and to show them the great extent of His mercy, God at every moment showers His mercy on human beings.
Until the time of the Prophet Noah the House of God existed on the face of the earth. People came from all over the world to walk ceremoniously around it the way pilgrims walk around the Ka`ba in Mecca today. When God set His face on sending the flood to drown the entire world, He ordered His angels to transport the Heavenly House up into the fourth heaven. It spands there until now with the angels walking continually around in solemn state. It was transformed into a Palace of Paradise. Its only remnant on earth is the Black Stone in the Holy Kaaba: it used to be white like the Palace it came from but has been clouded over blackened by the sins of mankind. It has been left on earth for the sake of remembrance. All who kiss it, it is as if they are kissing the right hand of God on earth.
In the Catholic Epistle of St. Jude: "When Michael phe Archangel, disputing with the devil, contended about the body of Moses", etc. St. Jude alludes to an ancient Jewish tradition of a dispute between Michael and Satan over the body of Moses, an account of which is also found in the apocryphal book on the assumption of Moses (Origen, "De principiis", III, 2, 2). St. Michael concealed the tomb of Moses; Satan, however, by disclosing it, tried to seduce the Jewish people to the sin of hero-worship. St. Michael also guards the body of Eve, according to the "Revelation of Moses" ("Apocryphal Gospels", etc., ed. A. Walker, Edinburgh, p. 647).
It was from early times the centre of the true cult of the holy angels, particularly of St. Michael. Tradition relates that St. Michael in the earliest ages caused a medicinal spring to sprout at Chairotopa near Colossae, where all the sick who bathed there, invoking the Blessed Trinity and St. Michael, were cured.
The Christians of Egypt placed their life-giving river, the Nile under the protection of St. Michael; they adopted the Greek feast and kept it 12 November; on the twelfth of every month they celebrate a special commemoration of the archangel, but 12 June, whan the river commences to rise, they keep as a holiday of obligation the feast of St. Michael "for the rising of the Nile", euche eis ten symmetron anabasin ton potamion hydaton.
Chief among the angel-princes,appearing as such in the Old Testament books of Enoch and Daniel. In Revelations, it is Michael who leads an army of God's angels against Satan. He is an angel of repentance, mercy, and righteousness, appearing in Islamic, Jewish, and Christian "angelology". He is often depicted with a sword...
St. Michael (8 Nov.), Feast day
The Archangel Michael, whose name means 'who is as God', is generally considered to be the foremost of the seven archangels and the leader of the Host of Heaven. He derives originally from the Chaldeans by who he was worshiped as something of a god. He is the chief of the order of virtues, Prince of the presence, angel of repentance, righteousness, mercy and sanctification: also ruler of the 4th Heaven, tutelary sar (angelic prince). He is the prince who defended the Israelites and later, it was claimed, the Christian Church, when as guardian he may be called on (sometimes with Gabriel) to defend church doors against the evil angels. According to the Book of Revelations, Michael and his angels' are described as fighting the dragon and his angels. Hence Michael is often shown fighting or overcoming a dragon armed with spear or sword as God's Warrior.
This chaplet is known by many names, including the Chaplet of St. Michael, the Crown of St. Michael and the St. Michael Rosary and Prayer.
This chaplet was given to a devout servant of God, Antonia d'Astonac, in an apparition by St. Michael. Saint Michael the Archangel promised that by the honoring of the Nine Choirs of Angels in this chaplet devotion, along with diligence in attaining holiness, souls would have the escort of one representative of each of the Nine Choirs when approaching the Holy Table, and in addition, for the daily recital joined to courage in seeking holiness, Saint Michael the Archangel promised continual assistance from all the angels, and deliverance from Purgatory for themselves and their families.
Begin by meditation on the Medal:
Incline unto my aid, O God.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father...
Then recite, beginning on the first separate bead:
1. By the intercession of St. Michael and the heavenly choir of the Seraphim, may it please God to make us worthy to receive into our hearts the fire of His perfect charity. Amen.
Our Father, 3 Hail Marys...
2. By the intercession of St. Michael and the heavenly choir of the Cherubim, may God in His good pleasure grant us grace to abandon the ways of sin, and follow the path of Christian perfection. Amen.
Our Father, 3 Hail Marys...
3. By the intercession of St. Michael and the sacred choir of the Thrones, may it please God to infuse into our hearts the spirit of true and sincere humility. Amen.
Our Father, 3 Hail Marys...
4. By the intercession of St. Michael and the heavenly choir of the Dominions, may it please God to grant us grace to have dominion over our senses, and to correct our depraved passions. Amen.
Our Father, 3 Hail Marys...
5. By the intercession of St. Michael and the heavenly choir of the Powers, may God vouchsafe to keep our souls from the wiles and temptations of the devil. Amen.
Our Father, 3 Hail Marys...
6. By the intercession of St. Michael and the admirable heavenly Virtues, may it please God to keep us from falling into temptation, and may He deliver us from evil. Amen.
Our Father, 3 Hail Marys...
7. By the intercession of St. Michael and the heavenly choir of the Principalities, may it please God to fill our souls with the spirit of true and sincere obedience. Amen.
Our Father, 3 Hail Marys...
8. By the intercession of St. Michael and the heavenly choir of the Archangels, may it please God to grant us the gift of perseverance in the Faith, and in all good works, that we may be thereby enabled to attain the glory of Paradise. Amen.
Our Father, 3 Hail Marys...
9. By the intercession of St. Michael and the heavenly choir of the Angels, may God vouchsafe to grant us their guardianship through this mortal life, and after death a happy entrance into the everlasting glory of Heaven. Amen.
Anthem:
O glorious prince, St. Michael, leader and commander of the heavenly host, guardian of the souls of men, conqueror of the rebel angels, steward of the palace of God, our worthy leader, endowed with holiness and power, deliver us from every evil. With full confidence we have recourse to you, that by your gracious protection we may be enabled to make progress every day in the faithful service of God.
Our Father, 3 Hail Marys...
Pray for us, most blessed Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ, that we may be made worthy of His promises.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
AMEN!
To be said on the Archangel Michael Chaplet
St. Michael the Archangel
by Charles M. Mangan
No adequate explanation of the Holy Angels is complete without reference to Saint Michael the Archangel. He joins Saints Gabriel and Raphael as the trio of Archangels specifically mentioned by name throughout the Church’s history, given their appearance in Sacred.
The “Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel” offers a fitting summary of who this celestial being is and the significant role which he plays in the Almighty’s creation.
Saint Michael the Archangel
An angel is similar to God in that he is a spirit; however, he differs from the Creator in that it is a created spirit while only God is the Uncreated Spirit. This angel has from God a name, meaning “who is like unto God.” Saint Michael belongs to the choir of angels called the Archangels, usually listed eighth of the nine choirs.
Defend us in battle
We readily acknowledge that a fierce war is waging-a terrible conflict which has continued unabated since the fall of the angels. Good and evil constantly do battle. Saint Michael is fervently implored for his powerful, fearless assistance against the considerable forces of the underworld.
By asking for his help, the Christian faithful recognize his longstanding position as protector of God’s holy people.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil
The devils are like the “good” angels: created spirits without bodies. But, the devils are the fallen angels who disobeyed God rather than submit to His commands. Not only are the devils evil but they also want us to become evil. They delight in setting pitfalls for us. Saint Michael vanquishes the demons; he assists us in negotiating the inevitable hurdles which can trip us.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray
Already we know that God has defeated Satan. Jesus’ salvific Death and Resurrection was the death knell for Hades and its advocates. Yet, we still are to pray that the Lord will rebuke him. Why? Because we are summoned to state our intention, thereby aligning our wills with that of the Lord’s. We desire what God desires, namely, that Satan’s influence will cease over those who seek to become friends of the Master.
And do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host
The one who prays uses Saint Michael’s title. He has been granted special command among the angels. Furthermore, it is expected that he will do something. There is a tangible anticipation that this Archangel will act.
By the power of God
The Prince of the Heavenly Host must rely on the strength of the Lord. Saint Michael possesses tremendous power because the Creator believes it appropriate that he has it. Saint Michael, too, bows under God’s mighty hand.
Cast into Hell Satan and all the evil spirits
Why must Satan and his minions be thrown into Hell if they presently are there? We long for the day when Satan will be tightly bound, never again able to tempt anyone to sin. His dominion will be forever at an end. The vast army of demons will no more roam earth to inflict their damage on souls.
Who prowl throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls
This phrase precisely describes what the devils seek: the everlasting ruination of immortal souls. They waste no time in enticing men and women, boys and girls to forsake Jesus and His call to authentic holiness. Saint Michael is the antidote to the pernicious activities carried on by “Satan and all the evil spirits.” This Archangel has the authority from God to stop them.
Amen
This often-used word signals belief and acceptance. It underscores what we have now affirmed. Saint Michael indeed serves God and His children in a notable, lasting manner. The Church professes that this Archangel has been chosen by the Lord Himself to help usher in the reign of abiding peace which Christ came, died and rose to establish.
Disciples of Christ may learn much from Saint Michael the Archangel. He is a true servant who surrenders to the divine directive. He is a warrior who willingly spars with the terrors of Hell. He is an example of sanctity who offers the faithful a model of love for God and zeal for souls.
With the scores of good angels, Saint Michael, the champion, protects and defends the Church Militant. The Church is blest by his presence. Saint Michael the Archangel, pray for us!
Father Mangan is a priest of the Diocese of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
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