St. Michael: Our Protector and Advocate

Today in the Novus Ordo rite, it is the feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. In the traditional rite, today is solely dedicated to St. Michael, with St. Gabriel celebrated on March 24th and St. Raphael on October 24th. After Vatican Council II, the three were combined together in hopes of better highlighting them, although there was a reason for each one having his own feast. September 29th was the day of the dedication of the original basilica in Italy dedicated to St. Michael. With this in mind, I will focus this article on Saint Michael.

St. Michael is one of the principal angels and he is known as the one who cast Satan out of heaven after his rebellion against God. He is known for his power and the dignity of his office, and he is tasked with protecting the souls of all the faithful throughout their life, as well as being recognized as the special guardian angel of St. Joseph and of all of the popes. The Catholic Encyclopedia states four offices that the Church has attributed to St. Michael:

1.     To fight against Satan.

2.     To rescue the souls of the faithful from the power of the enemy, particularly at the hour of death.

3.     To be the champion of God’s people, both the Jews in the Old Law and the Christians in the New Testament. For this reason he is the patron of the Church and was also the patron of the orders of knights during the Middle Ages.

4.     To call away from earth and bring men’s souls to judgment.

Numbers 2 and 4 highlight St. Michael’s special obligation to and protection of mankind, guiding them through their life and accompanying them on their final journey to judgment. For this reason, it is very beneficial for every man to have a great devotion to St. Michael, to protect them from evil during their lifetime and at the hour of death, granting them final perseverance and helping them fight their soul’s final battle against the devil. St. Lawrence Justinian once said, “Let all acknowledge St. Michael as their protector, and be devoted to him, for he cannot despise those who pray to him.” When we are faced with temptation, or we know of someone else who is, we can pray to St. Michael to help us fight the temptation and keep the devil at bay.

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our safeguard 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, cast into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits who wander throughout the world, seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.