Parish Patron Saint
St. Michael the Archangel: Parish Patron Saint.
St. Michael is one of three archangels named in the canonical bible. Michael from the Hebrew ‘Mikha’el’ means ‘Who is as God?’
St. Michael the archangel is mentioned four times in the bible – twice in the Old Testament (the book of Daniel) and twice in the New Testament (the Letter of St. Jude and the Book of Revelation):
- The Book of Daniel – 10:13: St. Michael comes to comfort Daniel after a vision and assures him that he will be his helper in all things.
- The Book of Daniel – 12: St. Michael is called “the great prince who stands for the children of Thy people”. St. Michael is therefore understood as Israel’s great support during the 70 years of the Babylonian captivity.
- The Letter of St Jude – Verse 9: it is documented that St. Michael contended with Satan over the body of Moses.
- The Book of Revelation -12:7 – St John documents his vision of the great battle in Heaven where St. Michael led the faithful angels to defeat and drive out Lucifer and his wicked angels, who had revolted against God.
The Roman Catholic Church acknowledges that St. Michael has four main roles:
- St. Michael is the leader of the Army of God.
- It is accepted that St. Michael assists the dying and accompany their souls to their particular judgment, bringing them to purgatory and afterwards, presenting them to God upon their entrance to heaven.
- St. Michael weighs souls in his perfectly balanced scales based on their deeds during their lives on earth (hence Michael is often depicted holding scales).
- St. Michael is the guardian and protector of the Church itself.
Prayer to St. Michael:
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in our hour of conflict; Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God restrain Him, we humbly pray, and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast Satan into Hell, and with him all the other evil spirits, who wander through the world, for the ruin of souls. Amen.