The name Michael signifies “Who is like to God,” and was the
war cry of the good angels in the battle fought in Heaven against
Satan and his followers. St. Michael the Archangel, whose feast
is observed September 29th, is one of the three principal angels
venerated by the Church – Michael, Gabriel, Raphael. Holy
Scripture describes him as “one of the chief princes,” and as
leader of the forces of Heaven in their triumph over the powers
of Hell. He has been especially honored and invoked as patron
and protector by the Church from the time of the Apostles.
Although he is always called ”the Archangel,” the Greek
Fathers as well as many theologians place him over all the
angels, making him the Prince of the Seraphim.
On this same day, September 29th, the Church honors not only
St. Michael the Archangel, but also all the angels who
persevered in fidelity to God, and, with St. Michael at their
head, cast out Lucifer and his accomplices from Heaven. They
contemplate, love, and praise God in Heaven.
Some of them are frequently sent as messengers from on high.
We cannot form an image of them, as they are incorporeal,
having no body; but we are able to conceive an idea of them in
our minds. An angel is constantly united with God in the
Beatific Vision. This, however, does not interfere with their
natural activity. Accordingly, they look with interested
participation on the various events of human history, which is
the preparation for the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom.
There is a second feast of St. Michael, that of his Apparition
(May 8th) on Monte Gargano, Italy, in the 5th century. In France,
St. Michael is venerated as patron of mariners in the famous
sanctuary of Mount Saint Michael in Brittany, and there is not a
country in which the great Archangel is not invoked and
venerated as patron by individuals, parishes and dioceses.
Lives of the Saints, Pages 381-382