St. Michael the Archangel
St. Michael is an archangel, a pure spirit created by God, whose name means "Who is like God?" Scripture presents him as the protector of God's people and leader of the angelic army that cast Satan out of heaven. He is invoked especially for protection against evil.
In three points
- His name challenges Satan's pride and reminds us our strength is in God
- Tradition gives him four roles: defender, leader of the heavenly army, weigher of souls, and angel of death
- The Prayer to St. Michael was written by Leo XIII
- He appears in Daniel, Jude and Revelation
Who he is
Michael's name (Latin quis ut Deus) means "Who is like God?", a challenge to Satan's pride and a reminder that our strength lies in being childlike disciples of Christ (see Matthew 18:1-4), through whom we can do all he asks (see Philippians 4:13). In the Old Testament he is the prince or angelic patron of Israel (Daniel 10:1; 12:1). In the New Testament he leads the angelic army that casts Satan out of heaven (Revelation 12:7-9). Unlike human saints, he is a pure spirit, one of the archangels. He is often invoked against evil spirits, including in exorcisms.
His four roles
- Defender of the Church, protector of the faithful and warrior against evil.
- Leader of the heavenly army against Satan and his demons.
- Weigher of souls, assisting the Lord at the particular and final judgments (see CCC 1021-1022; 1038-1041).
- Angel of death, protecting us at the hour of death and helping reconcile people to God.
The Prayer to St. Michael
After celebrating Mass, Pope Leo XIII had a terrifying vision of demonic forces attacking the Church, and in 1886 he wrote this prayer. It was once said after every Low Mass and is still prayed after Mass in many parishes:
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection 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, cast into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Feast and devotions
The Feast of SS. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael (Michaelmas) is September 29. Catholics also pray the Chaplet of St. Michael, invoking the nine choirs of angels (Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Powers, Virtues, Principalities, Archangels and Angels), a novena, and litanies, as spiritual armor, since the Christian life is a battle (see Ephesians 6:12). He is patron of soldiers, police officers, doctors and all who protect life and justice, and guardian of the Church.
In Scripture
- Daniel 10:13, 21: a "chief prince" who helps Gabriel against demonic forces.
- Daniel 12:1: he watches over God's people in distress.
- Jude 1:9: he contends with the devil over Moses' body.
- Revelation 12:7-9: he leads the casting out of the dragon and the rebel angels (CCC 391-395), anticipating our final battle against the devil (see CCC 2850-2854).
Why he matters today
Art shows him with a sword or spear, weighing souls, or standing over the dragon; Mont-Saint-Michel and Monte Sant'Angelo are famous shrines. Many, especially the young, face New Age practices, witchcraft and black Masses, which open the door to real spiritual danger. His flaming sword, like the cherub's in Genesis 3:24, symbolizes God's justice and truth cutting through the devil's lies, and reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ (Romans 8:38-39). Invoking him is not superstition but entrusting ourselves to one who fights by God's power.
Key Scripture
Catechism
CCC 1021-1022; 1038-1041; 391-395; 2850-2854
Read online with linked Scripture: catholic.id/tracts/st-michael-the-archangel/