Visita Iglesia: Saint Michael the Archangel Chapel (Fort Bonifacio)

Saint Michael the Archangel is the most badass angel in Heaven. He slices up dragons. He slays giant serpents. And, the best of all, he KOed Satan out of Heaven.

Saint Michael is so badass that he was considered by the Church as the head of the Heavenly Army and the Prince of Angels. In military parlance, we can say that Saint Michael is the Chief of Staff of the Heavenly Army. His Commander in Chief is none other than our Lord.

Saint Michael is considered as protector of Christian soldiers. Thus, it is no wonder then why Filipino soldiers venerate the archangel as their personal patron.

I noticed this veneration to Saint Michael the Archangel when I entered the chapel dedicated to him inside a Philippine Army camp in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

My favorite image of the archangel welcomed me as I entered the chapel grounds.

This signifies that the Devil will never be victorious against the followers of Jesus Christ because Saint Michael will be there to defend them.

Saint Michael the Archangel Chapel is one of the few churches in the Philippines where the lector and the servers are members of the Military. The Mass in this chapel is being presided by a military chaplain.

Unfortunately, I visited this chapel after the Easter Sunday thus the crucified image of Christ was covered by an image of the Risen Lord.

I am not sure though if what they did was correct. The truth is that I didn’t like this change in the altar.

This is the view of the altar during the normal days:

(Source: RARMartinez Fotografia)

At the side of the altar is the image of the military’s patron saint.

What I found weird is that the lectern bears the logo of the Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas (Philippine Army).

The pew also bears the Philippine Military logo.

Despite being called a chapel, Saint Michael the Archangel is bigger than some church structures. In fact, it is big enough to hold weddings and baptisms.

Saint Michael the Archangel Chapel is the most popular angels in Christianity and many soldiers around the world ask for his intercession. He is also considered as the protector of the Church and Catholics seek his protection by uttering this prayer:

Saint Michael the Archangel,

defend us in battle.

Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,

and do thou,

O Prince of the heavenly hosts,

by the divine power of God,

cast into hell Satan,

and all the evil spirits,

who roam throughout the world

seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

I always say this prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel together with the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be prayers. I especially say this prayer whenever I felt fear or if I think there are demons or evil spirits in my vicinity. I believe, like the whole Church believes, that Saint Michael will defend those who are oppressed by Satan and his minions.

.