Saint Michael the Archangel - Patron - Warrior - Depictions - Prayers

There is an old maxim that I might paraphrase thus: "once is an accident, twice is a provocation and three times is an act of war."

I have had an unbelievable number of searches for "images" (pictures) of Saint Michael the Archangel from around the world. Having read a marvelous book by Peter Kreeft on the subject of Angels and Demons, this tells me there is a spiritual need for knowledge of this Saint and Archangel.

It is impossible to give a picture of St. Michael; he is a pure spirit and can assume any posture or appearance he might choose (read the book; available from Amazon for under $10). Some depictions are frightening and others are less so. It depends on the artist.

Here is a nice source of information on the Saint. The SQPN site has a lot of information! He has been adopted by Human Life International in an effort to fight the spiritual war against abortion and for the conversion of those who perform abortions. These holy cards are free. Here are just two depictions of this Saint:

The traditional prayer used to invoke the assistance of Saint Michael is:

English

Saint 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 host,
by the power of God
cast into hell
Satan and all the evil spirits
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Latin

Sancte Michael Archangele,
defende nos in proelio,
contra nequitiam
et insidias diaboli esto praesidium.
Imperet illi Deus,
supplices deprecamur:
tuque,
Princeps militiae caelestis,
Satanam aliosque spiritus malignos,
qui ad perditionem animarum
pervagantur in mundo,
divina virtute,
in infernum detrude. Amen.

The Saint Michael prayer or Leonine prayer of Pope Leo XIII was said after every Low Mass before the Second Vatican Council. Saint Michael is a powerful intercessor, and is a natural patron of the Military, Police, Firefighters and those in "harm's way." If you have someone in harm's way, a religious medal of Saint Michael, blessed by a Priest, is a good patron Saint to invoke for protection against evil.