When did Michael become patron?

[newcalling]

When did Saint Michael the Archangel become the patron saint of the Catholic church? When was it discovered/declared and by whom? Is it just for the Latin rite or the other rites too? Michael and the Blessed Mother are both responsible for my conversion to the Catholic church. At the time he called me I had no idea that he was the patron saint of the church. He is also my patron saint because of his role in calling me to the church.

 

[petra22]

Very good question… How exactly did he call you? Interesting…

 

[Karen107]

This is how I understand it, if anyone knows differently correct me…

St. Michael is an archangel, but Saint because he appeared in the form of a man to do Gods work on earth and is mentioned in the old testament so he is even written into the New Testament by the early Church, in Revelation 12:7. He is the patron Saint of the Church because he protects the Church in it’s battles as an archangel and a seraphim angel who are the highest level in the heirarchy of angels. He is prince of the Heavenly Hosts…Heres something on him…

newadvent.org/cathen/10275b.htm

marypages.com/ArchangelSaintMichael.htm

 

[newcalling]

Very good question… How exactly did he call you? Interesting…

I was in the middle of a pagan spiritual journey ceremony (kind of like astral projection if you know what that is) and he stood in my path. He told me to attend church at a particular local parish. At the time I wasn’t opposed to Christianity, but I didn’t think that there was any way I would ever be Christian, much less Catholic. I attended for a few weeks, but didn’t decide to join the church. I almost did, but I would not have been a good Catholic. It wasn’t until a year later when the Blessed Mother appeared to me in a vision that I actually decided to start adult catechism classes. I know it sounds odd, but that’s the short version.

 

[Usagi]

St. Michael was the patron and protector of Israel in the Old Testament (mentioned in the Book of Daniel). I think he was just naturally presumed to be the protector of the expanded People of God under the new covenant. I don’t know if it’s possible to point to a specific time when that patronage was formally declared.

And yes, as I understand it he is the patron of the whole People of God, not just the Latin Church.

 

[petra22]

I was in the middle of a pagan spiritual journey ceremony (kind of like astral projection if you know what that is) and he stood in my path. He told me to attend church at a particular local parish. At the time I wasn’t opposed to Christianity, but I didn’t think that there was any way I would ever be Christian, much less Catholic. I attended for a few weeks, but didn’t decide to join the church. I almost did, but I would not have been a good Catholic. It wasn’t until a year later when the Blessed Mother appeared to me in a vision that I actually decided to start adult catechism classes. I know it sounds odd, but that’s the short version.

Sounds like God has something special in His plans for you! Thanks for sharing…

 

[Dorothy]

I was in the middle of a pagan spiritual journey ceremony (kind of like astral projection if you know what that is) and he stood in my path. He told me to attend church at a particular local parish. At the time I wasn’t opposed to Christianity, but I didn’t think that there was any way I would ever be Christian, much less Catholic. I attended for a few weeks, but didn’t decide to join the church. I almost did, but I would not have been a good Catholic. It wasn’t until a year later when the Blessed Mother appeared to me in a vision that I actually decided to start adult catechism classes. I know it sounds odd, but that’s the short version.

No it doesn’t sound odd…it sounds wonderful!

Thanks for sharing.

 

[newcalling]

Thank you Petra and Dorothy. Yes, I see those experiences as evidence that God loves me; a small sign compared to how he showed us all how much he loves us by humbling himself and being born as one of us, teaching us, and above all his sacrifice on the cross and his resurrection. I am honored that he sent Michael the Archangel and his Mother to call me into his church; his family.

Perhaps Michael just organically became known as the Prince of the church. I’m sure at least a few popes or early church fathers have spoken/written about him. I know the one from the nineteenth century who gave us the Saint Michael prayer, but I’m sure there are much older references. I’ll keep looking too, and hopefully someone knows some references.

You all are wonderful. God bless.

 

[Nelka]