Saint Michael the Archangel is the patron saint of both the military and police officers. For generations, soldiers, Marines, sailors, airmen and police officers have worn his image as a pendant, close to the heart on every deployment and every shift. Here is who Saint Michael is, what his image means and why a Saint Michael pendant is one of the most meaningful gifts for anyone who serves, in uniform at home or overseas.
Who is Saint Michael the Archangel?
Michael is one of the archangels named in the Bible. His name is usually translated as a question: "Who is like God?" He appears in the Book of Daniel as a great protector, in the Letter of Jude, and in the Book of Revelation, where he leads the armies of heaven against the dragon and casts evil out of heaven.
Because of that story, Saint Michael has long been honored as the warrior and defender who stands between good people and harm. His feast day is September 29.
Why Saint Michael is the patron saint of the military and police
For soldiers and service members
Saint Michael is the leader of heaven's army, a warrior who fights for what is right, so service members have always seen him as one of their own. Soldiers have carried his image into battle for centuries. Today, members of every branch wear a Saint Michael pendant through basic training, on deployment and long after they come home, as a reminder of courage, duty and protection. Families give one in the hope that it will bring their service member home safe.
For police officers
A police officer's job is to stand between the public and danger, often without knowing what the next call will bring. Saint Michael, the protector who confronts evil head on, is a natural patron for that work. Many officers wear his pendant on every shift, and many families give one for the same reason military families do: to keep their officer safe.
What the Saint Michael image means
- The sword: strength and the willingness to act in defense of others.
- The shield: protection, for the one who wears it and the people they serve.
- Evil underfoot: Saint Michael is often shown standing over a dragon or serpent, the victory of good over evil.
- The wings: a reminder that he is an archangel, a messenger and guardian.
The Prayer to Saint Michael
Many service members and officers know the short Prayer to Saint Michael, which Pope Leo XIII wrote in the late 1800s. It asks Saint Michael to defend us in battle and to protect us against evil. Some say it before a mission or a shift, and it is often read at military and police memorial services.
Wearing a Saint Michael pendant
Saint Michael is worn as a pendant, on a chain under the uniform or over a shirt off duty. A few things to consider when choosing one:
- Metal: 0.925 sterling silver for a bright, classic look, or 10K or 14K gold for daily wear and a deeper color. Our guide to sterling silver vs. 10K vs. 14K gold explains the differences.
- Size: a smaller pendant sits comfortably under a uniform; a larger one makes a statement worn openly.
- Chain: choose a chain strong enough for everyday wear and long enough to sit where you want it.
When to give a Saint Michael pendant
- Graduation from boot camp or basic training
- Police academy graduation or swearing-in
- Before a deployment, or at homecoming
- A promotion or a new assignment
- Veterans Day or National Police Week in May
- Retirement after years of service
- In memory of a service member or officer who gave their life in the line of duty
Parents, spouses and children also wear Saint Michael to keep their service member or officer close.
Honor the service member or officer in your life
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