Name Meaning: Mi-cha-el — “Who is like God?” (a battle cry against pride).
Titles: Prince of the Heavenly Host, Defender of the Church, Guardian of Israel, Angel of Judgment.
Feast Days:
- September 29 (Feast of St. Michael the Archangel, traditionally Michaelmas).
- May 8 (Apparition of St. Michael on Mount Gargano in Italy).
Biblical Foundations
- Old Testament:
- Daniel 10:13, 21; 12:1: Michael appears as the great prince and protector of Israel.
- New Testament:
- Jude 1:9: He contends with the devil over the body of Moses.
- Apocalypse (Revelation) 12:7–9: He leads the angelic hosts in battle, casting Satan and his rebellious angels out of Heaven.
The Scriptures reveal St. Michael as a warrior, protector, and faithful servant of God who defends His people against the enemies of salvation.
Tradition and Early Devotion
- The Fathers of the Church, such as St. Basil and St. Gregory the Great, honored Michael as the chief of the angels.
- In early Christianity, shrines dedicated to him appeared on mountains and near healing springs, since Michael was seen both as a healer and as a protector.
- The most famous apparition occurred on Monte Gargano in Italy (5th century), where St. Michael consecrated a cave to God, promising protection to those who sought his aid.
Role in the Church
St. Michael holds a special role in Catholic devotion:
- Defender of the Church: Pope Leo XIII composed the well-known Prayer to St. Michael after a vision of demonic assaults against the Church.
- Guardian of the Faithful: Tradition holds that Michael assists souls at the hour of death, weighing them on the scales of divine justice and defending them against the devil’s final assaults.
- Leader of Heavenly Hosts: He stands as commander of God’s angelic armies, forever triumphing over Satan.
Iconography
- Depicted in armor, sword or spear in hand, trampling the dragon (Satan) beneath his feet.
- Sometimes shown with scales, symbolizing his role in the weighing of souls at judgment.
- Often holds a banner inscribed with Quis ut Deus? (“Who is like God?”).
Spiritual Significance
St. Michael embodies fidelity, humility, and divine justice. His battle cry “Who is like God?” is the eternal response to Lucifer’s proud rebellion: man and angel alike are called to glorify God alone.