ST. MICHAEL THE CONSOLER OF SOULS
In order to properly analyze and present the role of Archangel Michael as the consoler of souls, one must first understand angels, their nature, and their office.
In order to properly analyze and present the role of Archangel Michael as the consoler of souls, one must first understand angels, their nature, and their office.
ANGELS
The word ‘angel’ is derived from the Greek word ‘angelos’ which is the translation of the Hebrew word ‘mal’kah’ and in Latin ‘angelus’ all of which mean “messenger from God or Legate”. They were viewed at first as the personification of the will of God, then as members of a Heavenly Host, that is, army of the court of God the King.
The word ‘angel’ is derived from the Greek word ‘angelos’ which is the translation of the Hebrew word ‘mal’kah’ and in Latin ‘angelus’ all of which mean “messenger from God or Legate”. They were viewed at first as the personification of the will of God, then as members of a Heavenly Host, that is, army of the court of God the King.
THE NATURE OF ANGELS
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, angels are purely spiritual creatures who have intelligence and will: they are personal and immortal creatures, surpassing in perfection all visible creatures, as the splendor of their glory bears witness.
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, angels are purely spiritual creatures who have intelligence and will: they are personal and immortal creatures, surpassing in perfection all visible creatures, as the splendor of their glory bears witness.
THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS
Ministry is defined as the work of a minister, and a minister is a person who cares for somebody.
Scott Hahn in his work “angels” presents the ministry of angels as to announce the divine will; to rebuke, encourage, assist, punish, teach and to execute judgment. They serve as key mediators between God and man. For instance, angels were sent by God to assist a number of individuals: Hagar(Gen. 16:7, 21:17), Abraham (Gen. 18, 22:11), Jacob( Gen. 28:12) and so on.
Ministry is defined as the work of a minister, and a minister is a person who cares for somebody.
Scott Hahn in his work “angels” presents the ministry of angels as to announce the divine will; to rebuke, encourage, assist, punish, teach and to execute judgment. They serve as key mediators between God and man. For instance, angels were sent by God to assist a number of individuals: Hagar(Gen. 16:7, 21:17), Abraham (Gen. 18, 22:11), Jacob( Gen. 28:12) and so on.
HIERARCHY OF ANGELS
Here is a fascinating and interesting area about angels. Indeed there are hierarchies and orders among angels. In fact, scriptures list various types of angels, and not all angels are equal.
St. Thomas Aquinas, a great master of the system refined the list and divided angels based on how near they are to God this way;
The Supreme Hierarchy
Seraphim – Cherubim – Thrones
Middle Hierarchy
Dominations – Virtues – Powers
Lower Hierarchy
Principalities – Archangels – Angels
Here is a fascinating and interesting area about angels. Indeed there are hierarchies and orders among angels. In fact, scriptures list various types of angels, and not all angels are equal.
St. Thomas Aquinas, a great master of the system refined the list and divided angels based on how near they are to God this way;
The Supreme Hierarchy
Seraphim – Cherubim – Thrones
Middle Hierarchy
Dominations – Virtues – Powers
Lower Hierarchy
Principalities – Archangels – Angels
The first three levels see and adore God directly
The Seraphim is the highest choir, comprehend God with maximum clarity, and their love flames the hottest (Seraphim means the burning ones). Lucifer, the light bearer belongs to this and he was powerful and is still powerful.
The Cherubim contemplate God too, function as attendants of God. (Cherubim means fullness of wisdom and with admirable knowledge)
The Thrones contemplate God’s power and Judgment. Thrones mean juridical power.
The next three choirs fulfill God’s providential plans for the universe
The dominions command the lesser angels below them.
The virtues receive their orders from the dominions and run the universe, especially the heavenly bodies.
The Powers serve the virtues by fighting against evil influences that oppose the Virtue’s providential plan.
The last three choirs directly order human affairs, they are like warriors
The Principalities care for the earthly cities, nations and kingdoms.
The Archangels carry out God’s important messages to man.
Angels are ordinarily guardians. One for each individual.
The Seraphim is the highest choir, comprehend God with maximum clarity, and their love flames the hottest (Seraphim means the burning ones). Lucifer, the light bearer belongs to this and he was powerful and is still powerful.
The Cherubim contemplate God too, function as attendants of God. (Cherubim means fullness of wisdom and with admirable knowledge)
The Thrones contemplate God’s power and Judgment. Thrones mean juridical power.
The next three choirs fulfill God’s providential plans for the universe
The dominions command the lesser angels below them.
The virtues receive their orders from the dominions and run the universe, especially the heavenly bodies.
The Powers serve the virtues by fighting against evil influences that oppose the Virtue’s providential plan.
The last three choirs directly order human affairs, they are like warriors
The Principalities care for the earthly cities, nations and kingdoms.
The Archangels carry out God’s important messages to man.
Angels are ordinarily guardians. One for each individual.
PURGATORY
The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Purgatory as a “purification so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven”, which is experienced by those” who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified” (CCC1030). It notes that “this final purification of the elect…is entirely different from the punishment of the damned” (CCC 1031).
The purification is necessary because, as Scripture teaches, nothing unclean will enter the presence of God in heaven (Rev. 21:27) and, while we may die with our mortal sins forgiven, there can still be many impurities in us, specifically venial sins and the temporal punishment due to sins already forgiven.
CONSOLER OF THE POOR SOULS
“The prince of the heavenly Militia,” says St. Anselm, “is all-powerful in purgatory and he can assist the poor souls whom the justice and sanctity of the almighty retain in this place of punishment”. “It is incontestably recognized since the foundation of Christianity,” declares St. Robert Belarmine, “that the souls of the faithful departed are delivered from purgatory through the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel.” Let us add to these authorities the words of St. Alphonsus Ligouri: “St. Michael has received the care of consoling and helping the souls in purgatory.”
In her beautiful prayers in the mass for the dead, the church places the souls of the departed in the hands of St. Michael, that he may lead them into the kingdom of everlasting light. Since St. Michael is so solicitous for the welfare of souls during their lifetime as at the hour of death, we may be certain that he will also befriend them during their stay in purgatory and will hasten to bring them consolation.
A Cistern monk appeared to his priest friend shortly after his death and told him he would be delivered from purgatory if during Holy Mass the priest would recommend his soul to St. Michael. The priest complied with his request, and he, together with others present gad the consolation of seeing the soul of his friend taken to heaven by the Archangel.
It is told that a certain priest one day while offering the holy sacrifice for the dead recommended some souls I a particular manner when pronouncing the words ; “may the prince of the Angels, St. Michael, lead them into the glory of heaven”. At the same time he saw the glorious Archangel descend from heaven into purgatory to deliver those souls and to conduct them into paradise.
Let us be encouraged by these examples to invoke St. Michael frequently on behalf of our departed loved ones, and in particular to recommend them to his powerful intercession during the celebration of the Holy Mass.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Purgatory as a “purification so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven”, which is experienced by those” who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified” (CCC1030). It notes that “this final purification of the elect…is entirely different from the punishment of the damned” (CCC 1031).
The purification is necessary because, as Scripture teaches, nothing unclean will enter the presence of God in heaven (Rev. 21:27) and, while we may die with our mortal sins forgiven, there can still be many impurities in us, specifically venial sins and the temporal punishment due to sins already forgiven.
CONSOLER OF THE POOR SOULS
“The prince of the heavenly Militia,” says St. Anselm, “is all-powerful in purgatory and he can assist the poor souls whom the justice and sanctity of the almighty retain in this place of punishment”. “It is incontestably recognized since the foundation of Christianity,” declares St. Robert Belarmine, “that the souls of the faithful departed are delivered from purgatory through the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel.” Let us add to these authorities the words of St. Alphonsus Ligouri: “St. Michael has received the care of consoling and helping the souls in purgatory.”
In her beautiful prayers in the mass for the dead, the church places the souls of the departed in the hands of St. Michael, that he may lead them into the kingdom of everlasting light. Since St. Michael is so solicitous for the welfare of souls during their lifetime as at the hour of death, we may be certain that he will also befriend them during their stay in purgatory and will hasten to bring them consolation.
A Cistern monk appeared to his priest friend shortly after his death and told him he would be delivered from purgatory if during Holy Mass the priest would recommend his soul to St. Michael. The priest complied with his request, and he, together with others present gad the consolation of seeing the soul of his friend taken to heaven by the Archangel.
It is told that a certain priest one day while offering the holy sacrifice for the dead recommended some souls I a particular manner when pronouncing the words ; “may the prince of the Angels, St. Michael, lead them into the glory of heaven”. At the same time he saw the glorious Archangel descend from heaven into purgatory to deliver those souls and to conduct them into paradise.
Let us be encouraged by these examples to invoke St. Michael frequently on behalf of our departed loved ones, and in particular to recommend them to his powerful intercession during the celebration of the Holy Mass.
Fr Lawrence Ogundipe sdv
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