Hello dear readers. It has been awhile since my last post, but that’s because I just got married (AUGH!!!) and have subsequently been dealing with this:
The sad, post-wedding state of crazy that is our new home. Photo taken by me!
My house has become a whirlwind of leftover wedding decor, moving boxes, gifts, empty gift boxes, and other random wedding paraphernalia that I will wade through once I am through here. My house is probably the most unorganized it’s ever been, and while I’m so thankful for the reasons that have caused it to explode this way, it makes me anxious. This is my OCD dream/nightmare.
Anyway, enough about me. Today is a very special day, one in which many people celebrate with grilling, time with friends and family, drinking of various liquids, both adult and otherwise, and just general hanging out. It’s a time we may remember our loved ones who have served in the military, and maybe even give them a gift or a ‘thank you’.
And all of that is well and good. However, my contribution to today’s celebration of those brave men and women who have, are and will give up their lives for our freedom, is not about all of that.
I want to share some info on patron saints of military personnel, as well as share some prayers for them. Lastly, I want to share a couple amazing stories of St. Michael’s intercession for soldiers.
So, who are the patron saints of the military? Well, according to http://www.catholic.org, there are many. Here are just a few:
St. George, patron saint of soldiers. St. George was a soldier who fought both physical and physical battles. He’s often depicted slaying a dragon. Yeah, you heard me – A DRAGON.
St. Martin of Tours, another patron saint of soldiers. Forced to join the Roman army at the age of 15, St. Martin was known to be humble, generous and courageous, often defying normal social conventions. He was known for giving part of his military cloak to a freezing beggar in the dead of winter. That’s hardcore service right there!
St. Joan of Arc, a patroness of soldiers. St. Joan of Arc would give Katniss Everdeen a run for her money. St. Joan was a remarkable young woman who heard the voices of St. Michael, St. Catherine and St. Margaret. They guided her on her quest to several military successes, but she was eventually captured and martyred at the age of 19.
And last but not least, we have the Prince of Angels, the spiritual warrior himself, St. Michael the Archangel. St. Michael is the patron of paratroopers, policeman and military. St. Michael, whose name means “Who is like God?” is the humble, fierce and loyal servant of God, leading the forefront of battles against Satan and evil forces. He is our valiant protector, and is also the patron of my marriage to Danger (ha, that works well).
One of my favorite accounts of St. Michael, involves a U.S. marine fighting in Korea in 1950. He wrote a beautiful letter home to his mother, who from his childhood instilled patronage to St. Michael, telling her how he encountered him on the battlefield. You can read the story here.
A more recent story published by Michael Phillips of the Wall Street Journal in 2010, tells of Cpl. Christopher Ahrens, a 26 year-old Marine who survived over THREE gunshots to the head. DUDE. Ahrens reports the bullets went through his helmet, but only grazed his head, leaving him alive. He tells his comrades he doesn’t “need luck”, as he shows them the St. Michael prayer card taped to the inside of his helmet. Cue goosebumps. You can read the full article here.
In closing, I am so grateful for the people who work so hard protecting our freedom, and helping those around the world. They endure trials and suffering I will never understand, and I hope and pray our nation continues to support and love them forever. Let us all take a moment today to lift them up in prayer. Here are a few to get you started:
That’s it for now everyone. Stayed tuned in 2 weeks for my take on Honeymoon Myths & Awkward Realizations. Peace!
“Michael – which means “Who is like God” – is the champion of the primacy of God, of His transcendence and power. Michael struggles to restore divine justice and defends the People of God from his enemies, above all by the enemy par excellence, the devil. And St. Michael wins because in him, there is He God who acts.” – Pope Francis
