Over the past several years interest has exploded in the legendary “Sword of St. Michael,” an imaginary line that links seven different monasteries from Ireland to Israel. Each location is dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel and some sources claim it “represents … the blow the Saint inflicted [on] the Devil, sending him to Hell.”
It is a fascinating legend, one that is clouded in mystery. The questions I want to pursue are simple: Where did this legend originate? Is there any truth underlying it?
The legendary “sword” is called by many different names, for example: Sword of St. Michael, Sacred Line of St. Michael or St. Michael’s Line. In all cases it revolves around the following historic monasteries (and churches), with the number varying by tradition.
- Skellig Michael, Ireland
- Saint Michael’s Mount, England
- Mont Saint Michel, France
- Sacra di San Michele, Italy
- Sanctuary of Monte Sant’Angelo, Italy
- Symi’s Monastery, Greece
- Stella Maris Monastery, Mount Carmel, Israel
Most of these places are associated with apparitions of St. Michael the Archangel and are ancient sites of devotion to the heavenly messenger. The remarkable alignment of these sites in a straight line is what has captured the attention of many people, who see it as a sign, pointing to an apocalyptic battle that St. Michael and Satan.
During the next several weeks we will examine this legend and trace its origin as well as the circumstances that led to the building of each monastery. We will dig deep into the Church’s devotion to St. Michael the Archangel and most importantly, reflect on how it affects Christians today.
Join me on this journey as we discover the origins of this legend, while at the same time discovering the reality of a spiritual world and the cosmic battle between good and evil that is happening right now!
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