St. Michael the Archangel:
Protector of the People of God…

“MI-CA-EL”, (Hebrew) or “Who is like unto God?” was the cry of the great Archangel when he
smote the rebel Lucifer in the conflict of the heavenly hosts. From that hour he has been known
as Michael, Captain of the armies of God, the archetype of divine fortitude, the champion of
every faithful soul in strife with the powers of evil. What is more, we see him in Holy Scripture
as the special guardian of the children of Israel, their comfort and protector in times of sorrow
or conflict. It is he who prepares their return from the Persian captivity, when the prophet Daniel
prays for that favor (Daniel 10:12-13); who leads the valiant Maccabees to victory in battle, after
the prayer of Judas Maccabeus (I Mac 7:41-44).
Ever since its foundation by Jesus Christ, the Church has venerated Saint Michael as her special
patron and protector. When Antichrist shall have set up his kingdom on earth, it is Michael
who will unfurl once more the standard of the Cross. This we know from a prophecy of
Scripture which states clearly that in those days the great prince Michael will rise up to protect the
children of God (Daniel 12:1-4). Saint Michael is an archangel in Christian, Jewish and Islamic
teachings; he is considered to be the patron saint of warriors, police officers and paramedics.
We are here today to express our deep-seated and inexplicable faith that there is a power for
good in the world; we also believe that there is a group of beings, invisible to us, that God has
ordained to look after us.

Prayer to St. Michael

Holy Michael Archangel, defend us in the day of battle, be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust down to hell
Satan and all wicked spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls.