My Archangel: is yours too!

One of my most cherished saints is not human! Can you guess which archangel I am referring to? Hint: He is best known for doing battle with Satan in the book of Revelation. Have you guessed his name yet? If you have, then most likely you have spent some time learning about this glorious archangel in religious education as a child. If you converted to the Catholic faith in your adult years ; then perhaps you discovered “my archangel” from your own children being enrolled in a Catholic elementary school, religious education or homeschooling program.

If you are unable to identify this angel yet, then let’s read Revelation 12:7-9 ( New Revised Standard Version) together. Here it is:” And the war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back, but they were defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. The great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world- he was thrown down to earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.”  

Do you realize by now that Saint Michael is my favorite archangel? Surprisingly, he is not a favorite just because of his name “Michael.”  It’s also not because my cousin Mike is a fantastic person, neighbor Mike is exceptionally kind, or my good friend’s son Michael is faithful to God. St. Michael is cherished because he is an archangel! Let’s face it, no human Mike or Michael could ever take on this archangel’s special role in salvation history!  

Do we as the “church militant” fondly recall Saint Michael only on September 29th, along with the other archangels Gabriel and Raphael? And then for 364 days of the year ignore his role as chief and commander of the heavenly hosts? Did you know this? That we refer to him in the Chaplet of Saint Michael the Archangel as the “ Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ” and as members of the mystical body of Christ “ that we may be worthy of His promises.”  Hopefully, you do.

Mother Angelica, the foundress of the Poor Clares of Perpetual  Adoration and the Eternal Word Broadcasting Network ( EWTN) had an incredible devotion to St. Michael. I highly recommend listening to her recite the online version of the Chaplet of Saint Michael, the Archangel.  It will truly transform your faith life!

I am grateful to the many priests who are happy to send their flock out into this crazy world to share the Gospel, but with extra armor! If you and fellow parishioners are being led by your pastor in prayer to St. Michael the Archangel (composed by Pope Leo XIII) after mass; then consider yourself truly blessed! If your pastor does not, maybe it is time to ask him. Saint Alphonsus Liguori says “ Veneration of the holy Angels, and particularly of St. Michael, is an outstanding sign of predestination.”

St. Michael is really not just “my archangel”. He is yours too! I invite anyone reading this to please say the St. Michael prayer daily for Pope Francis’ intentions. This powerful prayer wasn’t composed by Pope Leo XIII to be kept hidden from the universal church. I  am not a theologian, just an ordinary “lay faithful” who is making her way “onward to heaven”, with the glorious assistance of St. Michael, the Archangel.

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 thou, 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.