We Need Saint Michael

           Do you know we have an archenemy? One who is out to destroy us physically, mentally, emotionally and especially spiritually. In fact, he hates us so much he wants us to live with him in Hell. He is our Public Enemy Number One - The Devil.

            I am not exaggerating. Sadly, many do not believe there is a Devil. They prefer to live in ignorance. Yet, everyone, whether they realize it or not, has experienced his presence and destructive ways. He seeks to destroy us, our faith, our families, and our world.                                      

            Jesus describes our enemy as a thief when he says, “A thief [the devil] comes only to steal, slaughter and destroy” (John 10:10).   Likewise, Saint Peter warns us, “Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for [someone] to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

            Furthermore, the Catholic Church confirms this truth, “We know that we belong to God, and the whole world is under the power of the evil one” (CCC#409).

            Thankfully, we have Heavenly Weapons at our disposal. Our faith in Jesus Christ is of utmost importance.   Furthermore, Baptized Catholics have been given the Sacraments of Penance and the Holy Eucharist which enables us to journey Home safely. In addition we have Mother Mary, the Saints and the Angels to intercede/pray for us.

by Gail M. Adams

            Saint Michael is the Commander of God’s Warring Angels. He is also the guardian and champion of God’s people.   Scripture states, “Then war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, but they did not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. The huge dragon, the ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan who deceived the whole world, was thrown down to earth, and its angels were thrown down with it” (Revelation 12:7-9).

            Besides the Sacraments, Catholics have sacramentals. A sacramental is anything set apart or blessed by the Church. “Sacramentals do not confer the grace of the Holy Spirit in the way that the Sacraments do, but by the Church’s prayer, they prepare us to receive grace and dispose us to cooperate with it” (CCC 1670).  

            Sacramentals are not magical, but they help us deepen our love for God, are a source of comfort and can be a protection from evil.   The more ordinary sacramentals include blessed rosaries, chaplets, holy water and medals. The relic stone of Saint Michael is another powerful sacramental.

            Father Chad Alec Ripperger F.S.S.P., a Catholic priest, theologian, philosopher and exorcist, recommends we carry a St. Michael relic stone on ourselves as a sacramental for the intercession, deliverance, and protection of the mighty archangel.  Apparently, these stones are frequently used during exorcism.

            The history of this reliquary stone is quite remarkable. It began in 1656 when a plague broke out in Italy. Bishop Alfonso Puccinelli concerned about his people prayed to Saint Michael for help. One morning during prayer Bishop Puccinelli heard what sounded like an earthquake. Saint Michael then appeared commanding him, “to bless stones from the grotto, on which he was to inscribe the sign of the cross and the letters M.A. (Michael the Archangel” (Fr. Karol Dabrowski CSMA The Angels Vol. 9 Issue 1d 2018).

            Saint Michael also assured the Bishop that whoever devoutly possessed one of these stones would be protected from sickness. The promise proved true. Those who had a Saint Michael’s stone were preserved from the plague while others who had contracted the disease recovered. Today, these Saint Michael stones which come from the cave at the Shrine in Mont Sant’Angel Italy will help bring us protection from Satan.   Grotto stones are available from www.stmichael.com

            Finally, in our combat against Satan and all evil spirits, Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903) gave, us, after a vision he received of the spiritual warfare in which we are engaged, the Saint Michael prayer. He advised us to say it at least once a day.

            Saint Michael the archangel defend us in battle. Be our defence 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, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

            Today due to the diseases, pandemics and rampant evil in society, Pope Francis has requested we once again enlist Saint Michael’s help with this prayer. Let us heed his request. Thus, with the spiritual weapons of the sacraments, sacramentals and prayer we will protect ourselves, our families and our world from this archenemy - the Devil