St. Michael the archangel is one of the seven archangels who stands before God. Michael, which means “Who is like God,” is revered in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Michael is referred to in the Bible—especially in the Books of Daniel, Revelation, and in the Epistle of St. Jude. According to a tradition, St. Michael protected the burial place of Moses.
Michael’s feast day is September 29, where he recognized along with Gabriel and Raphael.
In Italy, in the province of Foggia there is a grotto there dedicated to St. Michael at Monte Sant’Angelo. In medieval times, pilgrims would visit this shrine on the way to the Holy Land. Many popes, including John XXIII, John Paul II and others have visited the shrine.
In addition, other saints have as well, including St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Bridget and Bernard of Clairvaux. St. Padre Pio had a great devotion to St. Michael and he carried out his ministry in a small town, San Giovanni Rotondo, close to Monte Sant’Angelo.
St. Michael appeared to the Servant of God Antonia d’Astonac, a Carmelite nun in Portugal, and said that he would like to be honored by the recitation of a chaplet dedicated to St. Michael and the angels, in which he promised the assistance of himself and other angels during life as well as at death.
Many works of art have been dedicated to St. Michael. Specifically in Rome, Italy, there is the Castel Sant’Angelo, which has a large statue of Michael. In France, there is the beautiful shrine to Saint Michael on Mont Michel where he appeared.
Blessed Fra Angelico has also completed many exquisite works of art featuring the angels as his subject. His works depict the Annunciation, as well as angels in adoration, angels playing the tambourine, the drums, and the trumpet, angels present at the coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, angels praying, and angels kneeling. He completed one of the more noteworthy and beautiful paintings of St. Michael the Archangel in 1424.
What are the ways singles—and all people—can venerate St. Michael?
Appeal For His Intercession
Michael is a prince. He is one of the seven archangels that form a close circle around God. He is the patron saint of grocers, soldiers, doctors, police, and sickness. Believe me when I tell you all of us are soldiers-especially in these challenging times in which we live.
Michael is powerful. He is the head of all the angels as well as the leader of God’s army. He is second in command to the Blessed Mother and obeys her commands. Michael commands the Archangels who protect the Church. Michael is often present to assist in many exorcisms. He is also known for his role in many healings.
Utilize the Famous Prayer of St. Michael Daily
It is said that Pope Leo XIII wrote this prayer after having seen a vision in which the devil asked God for permission to test his Church for 100 years. Many say that these 100 years are the difficult times in which we live. The prayer of St. Michael is a beautiful devotion that can fortify us during the times in which we live.
Cultivate a Devotion to All God’s Angels
All of us have been given a guardian angel, but did you know that we are constantly surrounded by angels in life? Especially before the Blessed Sacrament, thousands of angels kneel in devout adoration. We should attempt to learn more about the angels and honor them. They are close to God and they honor Him, but they also can offer us companionship and help on earth.
St. Thomas Aquinas has written prodigiously on the nature of the angels. According to St. Thomas Aquinas, stars, planets, the sun, and moon–all have their own angel to keep these heavenly bodies on course. What amazing care God the Father takes of His beloved creation!
St. Augustine taught that angels even take care of each species of animal. But the angels care even more for humans, who represent the crown of God’s creation.
The archangel Raphael interceded for a miracle for Sarah and Tobias in the Old Testament. He facilitated the meeting and marriage of Sarah and Tobias. Angels can also help us on our earthly pilgrimages and to meet the spouse God intends for us.
St. Michael the Archangel, powerful before God, pray for us singles!
PRAYERS TO ST. MICHAEL
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Michael, Michael of the morning,
Fresh chord of Heaven adorning,
Keep me safe today.
And in time of temptation.
Drive the devil away. Amen.
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St. 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 though,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
