By Giuseppe Monno
Saint Michael the Archangel is one of the most revered figures in Christian tradition. His name comes from the Hebrew Mikha’el, meaning “Who is like God?”—a rhetorical question highlighting the uniqueness and unmatched power of the Almighty. This name reflects his role as defender of God’s sovereignty against the forces of evil.
HIS NATURE AND TITLE
Michael is a pure spirit created by God. The title “Archangel” (from the Greek Archángelos, meaning “chief angel”) refers to his role and rank. In the Bible, he is the only one explicitly called an archangel (Jude 9). Catholic tradition recognizes three archangels—Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael—while the Orthodox Church and some ancient Jewish traditions name seven (Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Jegudiel, Selaphiel, Barachiel).
SAINT MICHAEL IN THE BIBLE
Michael appears in several biblical passages:
Revelation 12:7–9: He is described as the commander of the heavenly armies who defeats the dragon, identified as the devil or Satan. Here, he is the ultimate protector against evil.
Jude 9: Michael contends with the devil over the body of Moses, without bringing a blasphemous charge, leaving judgment to God. This passage references the apocryphal Jewish text The Assumption of Moses.
Daniel 10:13, 21 and 12:1: Michael is called “one of the chief princes” and “the great prince” who protects God’s people. Daniel 12:1 portrays him as Israel’s protector in the end times, rising to defend the holy people during a great tribulation.
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17: Paul mentions “the voice of the archangel” at Christ’s glorious return, accompanied by a heavenly command and the trumpet of God.
Luke 10:18: While Michael is not explicitly named, this passage about Satan’s fall from heaven is traditionally linked to him (cf. Revelation 12:7–9).
DEVOTION AND VENERATION
Saint Michael is venerated by all Christian churches that honor the saints: Catholic, Orthodox, and to some extent Anglican.
The Catholic Church celebrates his feast on September 29, together with Gabriel and Raphael.
The Byzantine tradition marks the main feast on November 8, honoring Michael and all the holy angels (the Synaxis of the Holy Archangels).
He is also the patron saint of the universal Church, police officers, soldiers, paratroopers, and a holy death.
FOUR RECOGNIZED EXTRA-BIBLICAL APPARITIONS
Saint Michael is associated with several traditionally recognized apparitions, four of which are most famous:
1. Monte Gargano (Italy, 5th century)
Around 490, Michael appeared in a cave near Manfredonia in Apulia, asking it to be dedicated to Christian worship. This led to the Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel on Monte Sant’Angelo, a major pilgrimage site visited by popes and emperors. Tradition holds that the church was consecrated by Michael himself.
2. Castel Sant’Angelo (Rome, 6th century)
During a plague in 590, Pope Gregory the Great reportedly saw Michael on top of Hadrian’s Mausoleum (now Castel Sant’Angelo), sheathing his sword—a sign that the plague was ending. The monument then became known as Castel Sant’Angelo.
3. Mont-Saint-Michel (France, 8th century)
In 708, Michael appeared to Bishop Aubert of Avranches, asking him to build a sanctuary on a rocky island off Normandy. This led to the famous Mont-Saint-Michel, a key spiritual and cultural center of medieval Europe.
4. Monte Tomba (Spain, 10th century)
Michael is said to have appeared to Saint Lorenzo of Toledo, requesting a sanctuary on Monte Tomba. Though less documented, it is part of the wider network of medieval Michaelic devotion.
ICONOGRAPHY AND SYMBOLISM
In Christian art, Michael is usually depicted:
As a young figure with eagle-like wings, symbolizing his heavenly nature;
Wearing armor and a helmet, reflecting his protective role;
Holding a flaming sword, lance, or cross, representing God’s justice (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12);
Carrying a scale, symbolizing the weighing of souls, especially in depictions of the Last Judgment;
Often shown defeating Satan, represented as a dragon (Revelation 12:9).
He is frequently accompanied by Gabriel (the messenger) and Raphael (the healer), forming the triad of archangels known by name.
PRAYER TO SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
Saint 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 Host,
by God’s power,
cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits
who roam the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.