Memorial Day is quickly approaching and it is important to remember that this is a day of honoring and remembering those deceased American veterans who have served our country throughout the years. St. Michael the archangel is the patron saint of soldiers and has provided protection to countless military personnel around the world.
The men and women of the military have a special connection to St. Michael the archangel. Many of them have served overseas for months and even years, away from their family, friends, and the home they love. St. Michael comforts our soldiers and guards them during those times when our loved ones are away. I am sure that many of you have family members who are in the military or have served in the past. Our troops deserve and require our support and one of the best ways to support them are Catholic military gifts which remind them of their guardian angel, such as the St. Michael medal.
St. Michael is one of the three archangels whom is remembered for battling Satan. He is the leader of the armies of angels and is responsible for having led the battle against Satan and his demons, sending them to Hell. For years many have given a St. Michael medal to their loved ones going overseas as a blessing and protection from St. Michael. Many miracles have occurred in battle through the use of the St. Michael medal and the medal has given courage to countless soldiers throughout history. The gift of the St Michael medal to your loved one will make their trials far more bearable.
It is hard for many of us to imagine going overseas, leaving our family behind to go to a strange land, and not knowing if you will ever see them again in this life. Soldiers persevere through this uncertainty with courage and strength drawn from their mission to protect their families, from God, and from the protection of St. Michael. Consider giving your loved one a Catholic military gift and more specifically a St. Michael medal. The St Michael medal grants comfort to the families as well as strength and protection to its wearers. To those in the military: thank you for your service throughout your life and in the years to come.
What has protected you since your conception, is not made of physical matter, and was given a mission to help you attain salvation? Your Guardian Angel. To clarify, the idea that every soul has a guardian angel is not an article of faith held by the church. Nonetheless, it is a commonly held belief of great antiquity. According to newadvent.org, St. Jerome stated, “how great the soul, since each one has from his birth an angel commissioned to guard it.” One of the most important scriptural references to guardian angels is found in Hebrews 1: 14 which states, “Are they (angels) not all ministering spirits sent to serve, for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?” Guardian angels might not be an article of faith but one can still believe in them with confidence.
The Magnificat is a magazine quickly sweeping the Catholic World. The Magnificat is a daily mass companion which is second to none in its pocket-sized, easy-to-read nature. The Magnificat, according to the publisher, is a “spiritual guide” which will help you to “develop your prayer life” and to “participate in the holy Mass with greater fervor.” This magazine has proven to be each of those things and many more as well. Magnificat also offers Magnifikid and Magnificat Junior for younger people who would like to benefit from the beauty and spiritual gifts offered by the Magnificat.
Of all of the Sacraments, none has been, and more than likely will continue to be, more brutalized, disturbed, and augmented than the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. What was once done primarily in the Church is now done in the U.S. almost anywhere. From the beach to a roadside chapel to the courts. This means that the Church is called to ever more fully pronounce what the sacrament of Matrimony is. Is it simply a union between two people? Is it an attempt to be together for life? Is it a publicity stunt? Is it a financial decision reached for the benefit of two people and the children they may or may not have? Today the Church must affirm and exclaim with renewed vigor what the Sacrament of Marriage really means against a culture which doesn’t seem to be capable of answering the question.
One of the most mysterious sacraments of the Church is Confirmation. Confirmation is unique in that it is both a Sacrament of initiation, meaning that it initiates or begins our Christian life, while at the same time it is a completion of baptismal grace (CCC 1285). This powerful Sacrament completes a believers initiation into the Roman Catholic Church.
Saint Florian is one of the most courageous and fearless saints to have lived. He lived in Rome during the third century which featured one of the most savage and ferocious persecuters of Christians of all-time known as, Emperor Diocletian. Saint Florian was a Roman officer in modern Austria, military administrator of Noricum, and a closet Christian. As a closet Christian, he “neglected” to enforce the anti-Christian laws in Noricum which was eventually brought to the attention of higher Roman officials. Aquilinus investigated Florian by ordering to execute a group of Christians and sacrifice to the pagan Roman gods. 
