When was St. Michael the ArchAngel canonized?

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When was St. Michael The ArchAngel canonized a saint

-- Derreck Mackie (eminemminni1212@yahoo.com), April 02, 2003

Answers

He was not canonized.

Enjoy,

Mateo

-- (MattElFeo@netscape.net), April 02, 2003.


Mateo is quite right in stating that “Saint Michael” has never been canonized formally as a “saint”. Yet while not having been formally recognised as a saint, the term when used to describe Michael is used by the Church and Catholics as a term of endearment. “Saints” who make up the Communion of Saints - The Body of Christ” (Romans 12:5), are merely comprised of the faithful on earth, the souls in Purgatory, and the faithful in Heaven, with Jesus as the head of that body. Since the good angels in heaven share in the love and service of Christ they are deemed to be included in what we call the communion of saints. St. Michael has been given his unofficial honorary title by virtue of the loyal and selfless service he has given to God over the ages.

St. Michael’s name, as servant to God, appears in scripture 4 times. In the first, (Daniel 10) Michael is deemed instrumental in assisting God’s people to rid themselves of domination by the Persians and to assist them to return to Jerusalem. In the second, (Daniel 12) we are told that Michael will defend us against the anti- christ who is to come. In the third, in the Epistle of St. Jude, Michael in his role of protector, protects the body of Moses, in God’s name, from Satan. In the fourth, (Revelation 12:7) Michael and his army of angels defeat the Dragon (Satan) and his followers. There are many other references to Michael’s handiwork in Scripture where he is not mentioned but where tradition passed down from the saints and early Church Fathers indicate he had, and has, an active role in protecting God’s people from evil in the world; not the least of which is protector of souls, especially at the hour of death.

Although never formally canonized, the Church celebrates St. Michael’s annual feast day on September 29 in remembrance of what he has done, in recognition of what he continues to do for us today and what he will do for each of us in the future.

“Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; may God rebuke him, we humbly pray. O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who wander through the world for ruin of souls. Amen.”

-- Ed (catholic4444@yahoo.ca), April 02, 2003.


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