Saint Michael the Archangel
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| Saint Michael the Archangel | |
| Feast Day | September 29 (with Gabriel and Raphael); May 08 (apparitions, traditional) |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Soldiers; Police; Mariners; Dying; Paratroopers; Grocers |
| Birthplace | Heaven |
| Death Place | Not applicable |
| Cause of Death | Not applicable |
| Primary Shrine | Sanctuary of Monte Sant’Angelo, Monte Gargano, Italy |
Saint Michael the Archangel is an archangel in the Catholic, Orthodox, and Jewish traditions, revered as the leader of God’s heavenly armies and protector against evil. Named in the Book of Daniel (10:13, 12:1), Revelation (12:7–9), and Jude (1:9), he is one of three archangels explicitly named in Scripture, alongside Gabriel and Raphael, and one of seven who stand before God’s throne (Revelation 8:2, Tobit 12:15). Known for defeating Satan in Revelation’s heavenly battle and defending God’s people, his name means “Who is like God?” His feast day, traditionally 29 September, is celebrated with Gabriel and Raphael post-Vatican II, though some communities observe 8 May for his apparitions. As an archangel, he is venerated, not canonized, with a universal cult in the Catholic Church.[1][2][3]
Saint Michael’s role as defender inspires devotion for protection, spiritual warfare, and justice, making him a powerful intercessor against evil. His apparitions, notably at Monte Gargano (Italy) and Mont Saint-Michel (France), have shaped Christian pilgrimage sites. As patron saint of soldiers, police, mariners, and the dying, his influence is global. His legacy thrives in parishes, shrines, and devotions like the St. Michael Chaplet, especially in Dioceses honoring his feast.[4][5][6]
Biography
Birth
Saint Michael the Archangel, as a celestial being, was created by God in Heaven at an unknown time, with no earthly birth.[2] His role as leader of the heavenly host is affirmed in Revelation 12:7–9 and Daniel 12:1, with his name (“Who is like God?”) reflecting his defense of divine authority. No coordinates or temporal details apply, as he is a spiritual entity.[3]
Michael’s creation aligns with angelic theology, where archangels serve as God’s warriors and messengers. His prominence in Scripture establishes his role in cosmic and human salvation.[4][7]
Early Life
As an archangel, Saint Michael has no earthly early life, existing eternally in Heaven as God’s chief warrior.[2] His earliest scriptural role is in Daniel (6th–2nd century BCE), named as Israel’s protector (Daniel 10:13, 12:1). In Jude 1:9 (1st century CE), he disputes with Satan over Moses’ body, and in Revelation 12:7–9, he leads angels to defeat Satan, casting him out of Heaven.[8]
Michael’s actions prefigure his role as protector, earning devotion as a guardian against evil. His celestial nature precludes a traditional biography but underscores his divine mission.[9][10]
Occupation
Saint Michael the Archangel’s primary “occupation” is as a divine protector and leader of God’s angelic armies.[1] In Revelation 12:7–9, he defeats Satan; in Daniel 12:1, he guards God’s people; in Jude 1:9, he contends for righteousness. Tradition attributes his apparitions, such as at Monte Gargano (5th century), where he consecrated a cave as a shrine, and Mont Saint-Michel (8th century), guiding Christian defense.[11]
His role extends to interceding for soldiers, police, and the dying, as seen in prayers like the St. Michael Prayer (post:4).[12] His heavenly service is universal, unbound by earthly limits.[13][14]
Vocation
Saint Michael’s vocation is his eternal call to serve God as an archangel, defending divine order and humanity.[5] His defeat of Satan (Revelation 12:7–9) symbolizes triumph over evil, while his protection of Israel (Daniel 12:1) and apparitions (e.g., Monte Gargano) affirm his guardianship. His intercession is invoked for spiritual warfare and protection, as in the St. Michael Chaplet (web:12; post:6).[6][15]
His celestial vocation inspires devotion for strength and justice, resonating with those facing evil, including police and military (post:3).[16] His universal appeal transcends earthly roles.[17]
Death
As an archangel, Saint Michael is immortal and has no death, existing eternally in Heaven.[2] His scriptural and traditional roles conclude with his ongoing defense, leaving no earthly relics or death site. No coordinates or temporal details apply.
His eternal nature ensures continuous intercession, with devotion centered on his biblical and historical acts. His veneration remains vibrant in the Catholic Church.[3][18]
Significant events
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: None
Death location: None
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Parishes
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Canonization
Servant of God
As an archangel, Saint Michael is not a candidate for the Servant of God stage, as this applies to humans seeking canonization.[2] His divine status, affirmed in Scripture, precludes formal sainthood processes.
Venerable
Saint Michael, being an archangel, is not declared Venerable, a stage reserved for human candidates.[3] His veneration stems from biblical authority, not ecclesiastical review.
Beatification
Saint Michael is not beatified, as beatification is for humans.[4] His role as an archangel, recognized in Daniel, Revelation, and Jude, ensures universal veneration without this step.
Canonization
Saint Michael the Archangel is not canonized, as canonization applies to human saints.[2] His status as an archangel, affirmed by Scripture and tradition, requires no formal process. His veneration is universal, with no canonization date or location.[5]
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
No beatification miracle applies to Saint Michael, as he is an archangel, not a human candidate.[3] His scriptural acts, such as defeating Satan, suffice for veneration.[8]
Miracle for canonization
No canonization miracle applies, as Saint Michael is not canonized.[2] His acts in Revelation, Daniel, and Jude, plus apparitions, underpin his devotion.[11] Anecdotal protections are unverified (post:5).[19]
Other notable miracles
Patronage
Saint Michael is the patron saint of soldiers, police, mariners, the dying, paratroopers, and grocers, reflecting his protective role.[4][5][16]
Feast day
Saint Michael’s feast day is celebrated on 29 September with Gabriel and Raphael in the Catholic and Orthodox calendars, post-Vatican II. Traditionally, 8 May commemorates his apparitions (e.g., Monte Gargano), still observed in some communities (web:7; post:0, 2, 7). The dual dates reflect liturgical reforms, with 29 September standard.[5][20]
Veneration
Saint Michael is venerated through prayers, novenas, and devotion at parishes like St. Michael’s in various Dioceses.[6] His feast, 29 September (or 8 May traditionally), features Masses and the St. Michael Prayer. Icons and medals depict him with wings, a sword, scales, or dragon, symbolizing his victory over Satan (post:2).[21]
His cult is universal, with key shrines at Monte Gargano (Italy) and Mont Saint-Michel (France). Devotions like the St. Michael Chaplet and scapulars (web:8; post:6) highlight his intercession, resonating globally, especially among police and military (post:3).[12][16]
Books
Written about the saint
- Butler’s Lives of the Saints, Vol. I – Includes a biography of Saint Michael, detailing his biblical role.
- Angels of God: The Bible, the Church and the Heavenly Hosts by Mike Aquilina – Discusses Michael’s mission.[22]
Written by the saint
- As an archangel, Saint Michael has no writings, with his legacy in Scripture (Daniel, Revelation, Jude).[2]
External links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=308
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_(archangel)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10275b.htm
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 https://catholicsaintmedals.com/saints/st-michael-the-archangel/
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-michael-the-archangel-113
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 https://www.michaeljournal.org/articles/roman-catholic-church/item/saint-michael-the-archangel
- ↑ https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/st-michael-st-gabriel--st-raphael-9042
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 https://www.catholiccompany.com/magazine/st-michael-the-archangel-9-facts-to-know/
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saints-michael-gabriel-and-raphael/
- ↑ https://sanctoral.com/en/saints/saint_michael_the_archangel.html
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 https://www.churchpop.com/st-michael-the-archangel-9-things-to-know/
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 https://aleteia.org/2023/09/29/st-michael-the-archangel-prayer-for-protection/
- ↑ https://thecatholiccrusade.com/st-michael-the-archangel-archives/
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
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- ↑ https://catholically.com/blogs/saints/st-michael-the-archangel-defender-of-gods-people
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