Angels have played an important role in Christianity in terms of personal protectors, particularly the Catholic Faith. They are characterized as tireless spiritual beings who serve God by aiding His other creations. An angel is sent by God to protect Moses and deliver the Israelites. The archangel Gabriel delivers a message to the Virgin Mary that she has been chosen to carry the Son of God. The Biblical references abound that angels stand a watchful post over human beings. Many occupations have been associated with these Patron Saints and these are some of them who watch over first-responders.
Michael: Patron Saint of Police Officers
In the New Testament, the archangel Michael leads the armies of God to cast down Satan’s forces in the Book of Revelation (12:7-8) ““there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not.” His bravery and leadership in the face of pure evil has aligned him with police officers. Like Michael, law enforcement represents the “thin blue line” that separates good people from aggressors and criminals. They form a living breathing barrier that allows Christians to raise families and sleep securely at night. The prayer invoking St. Michael was first uttered Pope Leo XIII after a powerful vision.
“St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle;
be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do you, O prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan and the other evil spirits
who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls.
Amen.”
Today, it is often given for police officers and at the end of sermons. Michael is also considered the Patron Saint of soldiers and the sick, among others.
Florian: Patron Saint of Firefighters
St. Florian was a Roman military leader who commanded troops in the region we call Austria today. He was tasked with organizing fire brigades and is said to have saved a town by throwing a single bucket of water on a blaze. He also refused to implement Emperor Diocletian’s ban on Christianity and suffered torture and death as a result. He was flayed alive for his Christian Faith.
He became the Patron Saint of firefighters for his miraculous extinguishing of the fire and devotion to Christianity. Chimney sweeps, brewers, victims of drowning and the countries of Austria and Poland have adopted him as well. The prayer to invoke St. Florian on behalf of firefighters is as follows.
“Into Thy hands, O Lord, I commend my Spirit, wherever Thou callest me, I am ready to go. Merciful Father of all men, save me from all bodily harm, if it be thy will, but above all, help me to be loyal and true, respectful and honorable, obedient and valiant. Thus fortified by virtue, I shall have no fear, for I shall then belong to Thee and shall never be separated from Thee. Amen.”
However, when firefighters are facing danger the following prayer is also invoked.
“Oh, Almighty God, whose great power and eternal wisdom embraces the universe, watch over all Firefighters. Protect them from harm in the performance of their duty to fight fire, save lives, and preserve property.
We pray, help them to keep our homes and all buildings safe day and night. We recommend them to Your loving care because their duty is dangerous. Grant them Your unending strength and courage in their daily assignments.
Dear God, protect these brave persons. Grant them Your Almighty protection and unite them safely with their families after duty has ended. Amen.”
Patron Saint(s) of EMTs and Paramedics
This group of first-responders tends to also lean on St. Michael because of his bravery in the face of adversity. But the medical foundation associated with treating and caring for the sick and injured has led many to adopt St. Albert the Great and St. Luke the Evangelist also.
Albert Magnus was a student of St. Thomas Aquinas and was considered a doctor of the church in Medieval times. He stands as a Patron Saint of medical technicians, scientists and philosophers. Prayers to St. Albert often involve a plea for scientific guidance.
In Colossians, Luke is referred to as a “beloved physician” and has been widely considered the Patron Saint of many in the healing trades. Although EMTs and paramedics work in a field between emergency action and treatment, many adopt St. Luke to watch over them and those in their care. A prayer for these first-responders is as follows.
“Most charming and saintly Physician, you were animated by the heavenly Spirit of love.
In faithfully detailing the humanity of Jesus, you also showed his divinity and his genuine compassion for all human beings.
Inspire our physicians with your professionalism and with the divine compassion for their patients.
Enable them to cure the ills of both body and spirit that afflict so many in our day.
Amen.”
First-responders place themselves in harm’s way to ensure the safety, security and well-being of others. These patron saints and others provide a sense of comfort. Take time to pray for the first-responder in your family and community.
~ Christian Patriot Daily
