Collection: St. Michael Archangel

ARTIST: Brenda Nippert

ARTWORK NARRATIVE:

The name Michael means “Who is like God,” which traditions say was Michael's battle cry when he defeated the egotistical Satan and banished him from Heaven. In the Bible, Michael is described as the Prince of Angels and the protector of Israel. He is called upon to battle the forces of evil and the famous prayer which begins with “Saint Michael defend us in battle...” was said during every Catholic Mass from 1886 – 1964. The shield, with scales, symbolizes not only Michael's role as defeater of evil, but also as a helper to Christ at the apocalypse weighing the worth of souls. The sword symbolizes Michael's role as a triumphant protector against evil for all time.

His feast day is September 29.

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Saint Michael the Archangel isn't a saint, but rather he is an angel, and the leader of all angels and of the army of God. This is what the title "Archangel" means, that he is above all the others in rank.

St. Michael has four main responsibilities or offices, as we know from scripture and Christian tradition.
The first is to combat Satan.
The second is to escort the faithful to heaven at their hour of death.
The third is to be a champion of all Christians, and the Church itself.
And the fourth is to call men from life on Earth to their heavenly judgment.

Very little is known about St Michael other than what we know from scriptures, which themselves are sparse.

In Daniel, St. Michael is mentioned twice. The first time as one who helped Daniel, and the second time he is mentioned with regard to the end times of the world when he will stand for the "children of thy people."

His next mention comes in the Epistle of St. Jude, where St. Michael is said to guard the tombs of Moses and Eve and has contended with Satan over the body of Moses.

The final mention is in Revelation, where St. Michael and his angels, do battle with the dragon.

There are other scriptures where St. Michael is implied, but not mentioned by name, such as the angel; who defends the gate to Paradise, who defends against Balaam, and "who routed the army of Sennacherib."

Today, St. Michel is invoked for protection, especially from lethal enemies. He is also the patron of soldiers, police and doctors.