Saint Michael the Archangel
Feast day: September 29
Saint Michael the Archangel, leader of heaven’s army, who protects the Church from evil (29/09)
Who is he?
Saint Michael is an archangel, one of the three angels the Bible mentions by name. Angels are spiritual creatures; they have no bodies like ours, and they always praise God and do his will. The Church celebrates Saint Michael on September 29, together with the Archangels Gabriel and Raphael.
His story
The name “Michael” means “Who is like God?”. It is not a question looking for an answer, but a proclamation of faith: no one, and no power, can compare with God.
The Bible mentions him several times. The Book of Daniel calls him the prince who protects God’s people in times of trouble (cf. Dn 10:13; 12:1). The Letter of Saint Jude tells us that when he argued with the devil, he did not insult him, but only asked the Lord to punish him (cf. Jude 9).
The Book of Revelation tells us that there was a battle in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, that is, the ancient serpent, called the devil or Satan. The dragon was not strong enough to win, and it was thrown down to earth with its angels (cf. Rv 12:7-9). That is why paintings and statues often show him holding a sword, with his foot on a dragon. The wings and armor are only pictures that help us understand that he is strong and quick to serve God.
Pope Leo XIII wrote a short prayer asking Saint Michael to protect the Church, usually called the “Prayer to Saint Michael”, and from 1886 he had it said after Mass. Many parishes and families still pray it today.
Why do we honor him?
Saint Michael always stands on God’s side and is completely faithful to him. His strength does not come from himself, but from God: that is why his name is a song of praise to God. The Church honors him as the protector of God’s people against evil, and confidently asks his help in our spiritual battles.
A lesson for you
- When you are tempted, like wanting to lie or do something bad, remember: God is stronger than any evil, and ask Saint Michael to help you.
- When you are afraid, say a short prayer: “Saint Michael, protect me.”
- Thank God for giving us the angels, and for your guardian angel who is always beside you.
Identifying marks
- A raised sword: he is the leader of the army of heaven, fighting against evil.
- A dragon under his feet: the dragon stands for Satan; the Book of Revelation tells how Michael and the angels defeated it.
- Armor and a shield with a cross: he is God’s warrior, protecting the Church.
- Large wings: the common sign of angels, God’s messengers.
- A pair of scales (*): by tradition, he is shown holding scales, a reminder of the day each person comes before God’s judgment.
(*) Only in some pictures and statues.
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