Patron Saints of the Church

Saint Michael

Feast Day – 29 SeptembeSt. Michaelr

The Jews regarded Michael as the special protector of Israel, and in Christian usage he became the protector of the church.

He is referred to in Apocalypse (12:7 to 9:): “And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon… And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent called the Devil and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”

The powerful prayer below was instituted by Pope Leo XIII and used to be said after every Mass in the old days.

“Holy Michael the Archangel defend us in the day of battle; be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil.

May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust down to hell Satan and all wicked spirits, who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls.”

St. Michael’s feast day is celebrated on Michaelmas Day, September 29th along with that of Saints Gabriel and Raphael.

 

 

 

 

Saint Martin of Tours

Feast Day – 11 November St. Martin

Born to pagan parents; his father was a Roman military officer. Martin was raised in Pavia, Italy. He discovered Christianity, and became a catechumen in his early teens. Joined the Roman imperial army at age 15 and was eventually made a Bishop.

Trying to live his faith, he refused to let his servant to wait on him. Once, while on horseback in Gaul (modern France), he encountered a begger. Having nothing to give but the clothes on his back, he cut his heavy officer’s cloak in half, and gave it to the beggar. Later he had a vision of Christ wearing the cloak.

He travelled much and by his zeal, fervour and charity he brought about the conversion of the many throughout the length and breadth of France.

At present some 400 churches in France are dedicated to the memory of St Martin and whilst the French solemnly observe the signing of the Armistice on November 11th they also venerate the memory of their Patron Saint whose feast falls on the same day.