Archangel St Michael: the Patron Saint of Parachutists

The name Michael is derived from the expression Mi-ka-El meaning 'who is like God?". The archangel Michael is remembered for defending faith in God against the hordes of Satan. Michael, commander of the celestial militia, first standing next to Lucifer (Satan) in representing the angelic couple, then separates himself from Satan and the angels who split from God, instead remaining faithful to Him as Satan and his hosts plunge into the underworld. The archangel Michael is represented in the form of a warrior, carrying a sword.

In the Catholic liturgical calendar we celebrate as 'St Michael the Archangel' the 29 September, with St Gabriel Archangel and St Raphael Archangel.

Prayer of the Parachutist

Eternal, Immense God, who created the infinite spaces and measured the mysterious depths, look benignly upon us.
Paratroopers of Italy, who in the performance of duty leapt from our aircraft into the vastness of the skies.
Send the Archangel Gabriel St Michael as our guardian; guide and protect the daring flight.
Like mist in the sun, before us let our enemies be dispelled.
White as the silk of the parachute may our faith always be, and indomitable our courage.
Our young life is yours, O Lord!
If it is written that we fall, so be it!
But from every drop of our blood may there arise gallant sons and brothers innumerable, proud of our past, always worthy of our unfailing future.
Bless, O Lord, our homeland, our families, our loved ones! For them, in sunrise and sunset, always our life!
And for us, O Lord, Thy glorifying smile.
So be it.