What is St Michael's line?
The St Michael's Line refers to the geographical line on a map, which links together the different places where St Michael has appeared on Earth. These include:
1, Skellig Michael, Ireland
2, St. Michael’s Mount, Cornwall
3, Mont-Saint-Michel, France
4, Sacra di San Michele and Santuario di San Michele, Italy
5, Holy Monastery of the Taxiarch Michael, Panormitis, Greece
6, Mount Carmel, Israel
This line is a reminder of the link between heaven and Earth. It is a physical sign or mark of St Michael's protection over the world.
The Apparitions of St Michael
1, Skellig Michael, Ireland
Skellig Michael (St Michel's Rock) is a mountainous island off the Irish coast. This island dates back to the 6th century, when it was founded by St Finian. The island previously housed monastic ascetic monks, who were devoted to St Michael, and lived lives of prayer and penance. Skellig Michael stands as a testament to Western Catholic faith, and remains to be a pilgrimage site.
St Michael's Intercession for St Patrick
In the 1200s, St Patrick exorcised demons from the idols people worshipped at the time. It is believed that St Patrick drove the demons to this island, asking for the intercession of St Michael, under the title "High King of the Angels", to vanquish the demons. The sky was flooded with light, as St Michael appeared onto the peak of the island, and battled against the demons, throwing them into the sea. St Michael is said to have left his shield on the island.
Mont-Saint-Michel
Normandy, France
In the 8th Century, St Michael appeared three times in a dream, to St Aubert, who was the Bishop of Avranches at the time.
7 Swords of St Michael Prayer
This devotion calls on St Michael to help us to overcome temptation and sin. Every 'sword' references a certain prayer intention.
1st Sword: Sword of Protection
O holy St. Michael, mighty protector of souls, come and defend me from the snares of the enemy. Wrap your wings around my home and family. Stand at the door of my life with your flaming sword. Drive away every spirit of fear and every plan of destruction. I trust in your shield, and I rest in the strength of God. Amen.
“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.”
—Psalm 34:7
2nd Sword: Sword of Purity
St. Michael, cleanse my heart and mind with the fire of heaven. Help me walk in holiness. Where there is sin, bring grace. Where there is shame, bring healing. May your sword purify my thoughts, my desires, and all that I do. Let my life be a temple where God’s Spirit dwells. Amen.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
—Psalm 51:10
3rd Sword: Sword of Strength
St. Michael, when I feel weak and weary, be my strength. Lift me up when I fall. Help me face every trial with courage. Let your heavenly sword give me the power to overcome temptation, disappointment, and weariness. Strengthen me to stand firm in the Lord, unshaken by the storms of life. Amen.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.”—Psalm 28:7
4th Sword: Sword of Deliverance
O glorious St. Michael, deliver me from bondage. Break the chains that hold me back—fear, addiction, bitterness, and doubt. Lead me into the freedom of the children of God. Fight for me in battles I cannot see. By your sword, cut away all that separates me from the light of Christ. Amen.
“He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” —Psalm 18:19
5th Sword: Sword of Truth
St. Michael, light-bearer of truth, expose the lies of the enemy. Guard my heart from deception and confusion. Let your sword reveal the true path, the righteous road. Guide me away from error and into the clarity of God’s word. May your blade be like lightning, showing the way through the darkness. Amen.
“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” —John 8:32
6th Sword: Sword of Encouragement
St. Michael, speak courage to my soul. When I am discouraged, when hope is faint, lift my spirit. Remind me that heaven is near. Let your sword pierce through despair and awaken faith again. Fill my mouth with praise, my mind with peace, and my steps with purpose. Amen.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified… for the Lord your God goes with you.”
—Deuteronomy 31:6
7th Sword: Sword of Victory over Death
St. Michael, guardian at the hour of death, stand by me in my final hour. Carry my soul to the presence of God. Strike down the fear of dying. Let me cross the threshold in peace, welcomed by angels. May your sword be the sign that I am not alone—that heaven has come to take me home. Amen.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”
—Revelation 21:4
