Michael the Archangel

Patron ofSoldiers, Police Officers, Paratroopers, Germany

SituationsDanger, Protection, Spiritual Warfare

ProfessionsGrocers, Paramedics, Police Officers, Soldiers

Why this patronage

Saint Michael the Archangel is the patron of soldiers, police officers, and paratroopers because Scripture and tradition show him as the warrior-prince of the heavenly host who casts Satan and his angels out of heaven: “there was war in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon” (Revelation 12:7). All who do battle against evil and disorder — soldiers, the police who guard the peace, paratroopers who descend from the sky as he is shown descending upon the dragon — take the captain of the angels as their patron. As the weigher of souls at the judgment he is also invoked by the dying and against danger, and he is honored as a protector of Germany.

Life

Saint Michael the Archangel is one of the principal angels in Christian, Jewish, and Islamic traditions. In Catholic teaching, he is the leader of the heavenly host who defeated Satan and his rebellious angels. He is venerated as the protector of the Church and the patron of soldiers and police officers.

Prayer

Saint Michael Prayer

Sancte Michaël Archángele

St. Michael the Archangel,

defende nos in prœlio:

defend us in battle.

contra nequítiam et insídias diáboli

Be our defense

esto præsídium.

against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.

Imperet illi Deus,

May God rebuke him,

súpplices deprecamur;

humbly we pray,

tuque, Princeps milítiæ cælestis,

and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts,

sátanam aliósque spíritus malignos,

by the power of God,

qui ad perditionem animarum

thrust into hell Satan,

pervagantur in mundo,

and all the evil spirits,

divina virtute

who prowl about the world

in infernum detrude.

seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.