“Defend us in battle” echo the powerful words of the Saint Michael prayer. Here at Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, those words resonate deeply.
Saint Michael stands as a protector against wickedness. His image inspires courage and faith.
Let’s explore the story of Saint Michael and this church dedicated to him. We will see how his protective spirit connects with a modern tribute to law enforcement.
A new sculpture of Saint Michael the Archangel was unveiled at St. Mary Mother of God Church. This church is located in Northwest Washington D.C. The sculpture honors Saint Michael. He is the patron saint of police.
The unveiling took place on September 28. Showers threatened but the event went off without a hitch. The sculpture is made of fired and glazed clay. It is attached to the front of the church.
St. Mary Mother of God Church is near many police-associated buildings. These include the D.C. and federal court buildings. Also nearby are the National Law Enforcement Museum and the National Police Memorial. The D.C. Metropolitan Police Department headquarters is close too.
Father Vincent De Rosa is the pastor of St. Mary Mother of God Parish. He is also one of two Catholic chaplains to the Metropolitan Police Department. He joined the chaplaincy in 2022.
Father De Rosa noted the impact of Covid on Chinatown. It is close to the church. He said there was an uptick in crime. The police responded effectively. The sculpture is a public sign of gratitude for their work.
Bethany Lee, a parishioner, sculpted the statue. She and Father De Rosa designed the artwork in the summer of 2023. Lee is a stone carver with a studio in Brentwood, Maryland.
A stone shrine would have been expensive. Father De Rosa suggested ceramic instead. Lee had never worked with large ceramics. She collaborated with someone who wished to remain anonymous.
Finding a kiln large enough was a challenge. Two pieces cracked during firing. One survived. September 29 is the feast of Saint Michael. It is also the feast of Saints Gabriel and Raphael. The unveiling was moved to September 28.
Saint Michael defends God’s people against sin. Revelation describes him leading angels against Satan. The Saint Michael prayer asks for defense in battle. It seeks protection against the devil.
Msgr. Salvatore Criscuolo is a longtime chaplain of the Metropolitan Police Department. He said officers often ask him to bless their Saint Michael medals.
He recalled incidents that affected D.C. police. One was a 1994 shooting at police headquarters. Two FBI agents and a detective died. The assailant was also killed.
The terror attacks of September 11 and the January 6 Capitol breach were scarring events. After these events officers asked Msgr. Criscuolo to bless their Saint Michael medals again.
He researched the issue. He found nothing prohibited re-blessing items. It made the officers feel better. He blessed them again.
Saint Michael’s image is a reminder of protection. It signifies courage in the face of evil. The sculpture at St. Mary Mother of God Church honors his role. It is a tribute to those who serve and protect our community.
Remember Saint Michael’s powerful words “Defend us in battle”. Let that sink in as you head to our next stop. It is a place where faith and community intertwine.