*We highlight these Saints to inspire our students and contribute to their growth in Catholic education by fostering understanding and appreciation for Catholic values and teachings. We encourage parents to share the stories of these Saints with their children to deepen their spirituality and motivate them to live their faith with conviction, following the examples of these admired role models.*
St. Michael the Archangel, or Archangel Michael, is a very important figure in Catholicism. He is considered one of the archangels, which are high-ranking angels mentioned in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. He is a healer of the sick, the guardian of the Church, and is seen as a symbol of the unwavering power of God’s divine justice.
St. Michael is particularly venerated for his role in defending and protecting the faithful against evil. In religious art, St. Michael is depicted with a sword, a banner, or scales, and is often shown vanquishing Satan in the form of a dragon. Often the shield bears the Latin inscription: Quis ut Deus, meaning “Who can compare with God?”
“…but the prince of the kingdom of Persia stood in my way for twenty-one days, until finally Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me.”
Daniel 10:13
St. Michael is known as the chief of the heavenly hosts, a leader of the angels, and a protector of the faithful. He is also responsible for guarding and caring for Israel, and is often referred to as the “Guardian Prince of Israel”.
St. Michael is mentioned by name in the Bible about five times, including the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament and the Book of Revelation in the New Testament. In Daniel 10:13, he is referred to as “one of the chief princes” who came to help the prophet Daniel. In Revelation 12:7-9, he is described as leading the angels in a battle against Satan and his fallen angels.
The Catholic Church recognizes St. Michael as having four “offices” or roles:
- Leader of the Angels: St. Michael is considered the commander and chief among the angels. He leads the heavenly host in battle against the powers of darkness. This leadership role signifies his authority within the celestial hierarchy and makes him a model of spiritual warfare.
- Guardian of the Church: St. Michael serves as the guardian of the faithful and the Church. In Daniel 12:1, God tells Daniel, “At that time there shall arise Michael, the great prince, guardian of your people,” making him the guardian of the Church and the faithful.
- Angel of Death: St. Michael is regarded as the angel of death. When someone dies, St. Michael accompanies the departed, guiding them to Heaven.
- Weigher of Souls: Along with guiding souls to the afterlife, St. Michael also weighs those souls during the Last Judgment. Because of this, he is often depicted holding balanced scales and is the patron saint of bankers.
Catholics frequently turn to St. Michael for guidance and protection. The “Prayer to St. Michael” seeks his intercession for protection and assistance in spiritual battles. The “Chaplet of St. Michael” consists of 9 salutations, each one dedicated to a choir of angels, and seeks the intercession and help of St.Michael.
St. Michael is an incredibly significant and beloved figure in the Catholic Church, admired for his role as a defender of the faith and a symbol of strength and courage in the face of spiritual challenges and evil forces. He is known as the Patron saint of the military, police, firefighters, and paratroopers, bankers, and the sick.
FAMILY ACTIVITY: St. Michael is a leader in spiritual warfare. Teach your kids about virtues and encourage them to be virtuous. If they are old enough, take them to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist frequently. Pray the St. Michael Prayer with your family daily to ask St. Michael to intercede for and protect them. Older kids and teens can pray the Chaplet of St. Michael.