I don’t know about you, but all this talk about the devil was leaving me feeling a little vulnerable.  Cue to Seal Team Six of spiritual beings, aka the Archangels. The most notorious of which is Michael, whose name means, “Who is like to God.”  Famous for defeating Satan in battle, St. Michael the Archangel is often called upon for protection.  Typically represented as holding a sword and standing over a dragon, most of us are familiar with his prayer, but perhaps not with its history.    

Prayer

“St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.” 

Origin

The prayer we all know and love today was composed by Pope Leo XIII in 1886 after experiencing a horrific vision detailing the destruction Satan planned for the world.  Churches were instructed to say this prayer after every Low Mass in the Latin Rite.  This continued until around 1965 when Low Mass ended because of changes within the Second Vatican Council.  However, in 1994 Pope John Paul II urged the faithful to continue to pray to St. Michael the Archangel and as a result many will recite this prayer at the end of the Rosary. 

Role

If you research St. Michael the Archangel, you will find he has four main duties within the Catholic church. 

  1. To fight against Satan and other fallen angels.
  2. To save souls from Satan, especially in the hour of death.
  3. To protect the faithful and the church.
  4. To escort souls for their final judgement.

Reputation

  • Protector of Israel
  • Prince of the Heavenly Hosts
  • Leader of Chief Angels
  • Exorcist
  • Warrior of God
  • Guardian of the Church
  • Enemy of Satan

Did you know?  Catholics are not the only profession that acknowledges Michael.  Michael is known as an archangel in Judaism and Islam as well. 

Why?

Anyone who desires the triumph of good over evil should pray to St. Michael the Archangel.  Furthermore, if you chose to ignore him, you might be awaiting an awkward encounter when he comes to escort you to those pearly gates in the future…