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| Saint Michael |
Catholics and Christians have called upon St. Michael the Archangel for protection on several occasions. When a
great plaque struck Rome
in 590, Pope St. Gregory the Great led a procession through the streets as an
act of penance, seeking forgiveness and atonement of the sins of man. At the
tomb of Hadrian (now Castle Sant'Angelo near St. Peter's Basilica), Saint
Michael is known to have appeared and brandished his sword, thereby ending the
great plaque. Today, a chapel is built in honor of St. Michael and within it
lies a formidable statue of the revered archangel.
Throughout the centuries, Christians have always depicted
the great Archangel Michael as a saint warrior who wields a sword of fire or
spear, while standing triumphantly on a serpent or other representation of
Satan. The archangel is also known for the power he guides in saving the souls
of the faithful from the power of Satan especially at the hour of death. Occasionally,
St Michael is also noted to be holding the scales of justice or the Book of
Life, both symbols of the last judgment.
Saint Michael maintains the higher order of angels and
represents together with Saint Raphael and Saint Gabriel, as God's messengers
to man in matters of graver moment. Saint Michael is also the protector of the
church and invoked to be "our safeguard against the wickedness and snares
of the devil". Being the warrior saint, St Michael is oftentimes shown
brandishing a sword, battling or standing in victory over a snake, dragon or
Satan. If you are seeking statues of Saint Michael for use as part of monuments
or memorials, consider choosing statues made of granite or solid marble for
long lasting use.
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