Archangel Saint Michael 

 One of the oldest devotions of the Catholic Church is to Michael, the Archangel. His roles in God's divine plan date back before the Incarnation. St. Michael led the army against Lucifer and the other fallen angels. It is St. Michael who guards the Catholic Church and her Pope and is he who will reprise his role against the Antichrist in the end. St. Michael is referred to by name in the Old Testament, only in the Book of Daniel - 10:13, 10:21, and 12:1. He is believed to have been described in the book of Joshua as the Commander of God's Army.

 Both before Christ's coming and after, as well as teachings of the Fathers of the church, charge St. Michael was honored as a guardian angel of the people of God. That he fulfilled his role of defender and protector from the time of the patriarchs on. The Fathers of the Church have lain testimony to many events in the Old Testament, the appearance and assistance of an unnamed angel is believed to be St. Michael, the archangel. St. Michael has been an advocate for the people of God under the Old Law, and he continues to protect us under the New Law.

 The various events and miracles associated with him have led Christian Tradition to name him to fight against Satan, to rescue the souls of the faithful from the Devil, especially at the hour of death, to attend to the dying and accompany them to judgment, and to be the champion of God's people; the Israelites in the Old Law, the Christians in the New Law; and to be Patron of the Church. Because he was the Commander of God's Army, he is looked to for protection by both Catholics and non-Catholics alike. His feast day is September 29.

 His attributes are treading on a dragon, carrying a banner, scales, and a sword. Saint Michael's patronage includes Guardian of the Catholic Church, Guardian of Vatican City, Protector of the Jewish People, Germany, France, Ukraine, Brussels, Kiev, Arkhangelsk, Argao, Cebu, Philippines, Police Officers, Military, Grocers, Mariners, Paratroopers, Firefighters, Paramedics, and Sickness.