Greetings of Saint Michael the Archangel to all Paratroopers of Italy, of every era and generation

May our Patron Saint continue to protect and guide us with strength, courage, and faith. Today, September 29, we celebrate with Our Dedication and Our Spirit, Saint Michael the Archangel. We honor those who have been, who are, and who will be part of this Glorious Tradition, with a special memory and prayer for those who are no longer with us physically, but are with us in heart.

FOLGORE!!!

Paratrooper's Prayer

Eternal, Immense God, who created the infinite spaces and measured their mysterious depths, look kindly upon us.
Paratroopers of Italy, who in the fulfillment of duty, leaping from our aircraft, launch ourselves 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, may our enemies be dispersed before us.
As 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 arise valiant sons and countless brothers, proud of our past, always worthy of our inevitable future.
Bless, O Lord, our Homeland, our Families, our Loved Ones! For them, at dawn and at dusk, always our life!
And for us, O Lord, Your glorifying smile.
So be it.

Saint Michael the Archangel: a bit of history

Michael (Hebrew מִיכָאֵל‎, mixa'el, "Who is like God?"; Ancient Greek Μιχαήλ, Mikhaḗl; Latin Michaël; Arabic ميخائيل, Mīkhā'īl) is an archangel venerated in Jewish, Christian (except Adventism), and Islamic religions. In the traditions of the Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran Churches, he is called "Saint Michael the Archangel" or simply "Saint Michael". In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, he is also known as "Taxiarch Archangel Michael".

The name Michael, which derives from the theophoric term מיכאל, is one of the three names explicitly associated with archangels in the Bible, along with Gabriel and Raphael. The earliest mentions of the name Michael are found in Jewish literature of the 2nd and 3rd centuries BC, where he is described as the leader of angels and protector of Israel. These traits were later maintained in Christianity as well.

The Catholic Church celebrates the solemnity of the three holy archangels on September 29: Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, and Saint Raphael. Devotion to Saint Michael is also celebrated on other dates, such as November 8, May 8, September 6, October 16, and the third Sunday of Easter, although these occurrences are not present in the common liturgical calendar. On May 8, for example, the apparition of Saint Michael to Saint Lawrence Maiorano, bishop of Siponto, in the cave on Gargano is commemorated, an event that greatly boosted the spread of the archangel's cult in Europe.

Michael is mentioned with the Hebrew word for "archangel" or "prince" in the following biblical passages: Jude 9, Revelation 12:7, Zechariah 13:1-2, Daniel 10:13.21, and Daniel 12:1. In the Apocalypse of John, the archangel leads the heavenly militia against Lucifer and his rebellious angels. According to Christian tradition, at the end of times, Michael will sound the trumpet that will announce the final judgment, after which the Kingdom of Heaven will be returned by Jesus Christ to God the Father for eternity.

In Islam, Michael (Mīkāʾīl or Mīkīl) is mentioned in the Quran as a high-ranking angel, along with Jibrīl (Gabriel), sent by Allah to guide the prophet Muhammad.

Saint Michael is also the Celestial Protector of the Order of Minims, founded by Saint Francis of Paola.

Together with Saint George, Saint Sergius, and Saint Maurice, he is venerated as the patron of paratroopers, soldiers, and warriors. He represents the ecclesia militans, or the "militant Church," and is honored as "Prince of the heavenly army, whom the citizens of angels honor" (Princeps militiae coelestis quem honorificant angelorum cives).

Saint Michael is linked to many historical battles and providential victories, including:

• The victory of the Lombards of Siponto (Manfredonia) against the Greek Neapolitans on May 8, 663.
• The double defense of the city of Constantinople: from the Avars in 626 and from the Arabs in 676.
• After the Battle of Lechfeld in 955, he became the patron of the Holy Roman Empire and later of Germany.
• Before the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380, in which he defeated Khan Mamai, Grand Duke Dmitry Donskoy prostrated before an icon of Michael, venerated as "Heavenly Chief and Archistrategist".
• According to the visions of Saint Joan of Arc, Saint Michael played a decisive role in the Hundred Years' War between France and England, guiding her in her divine mission.

In the late Middle Ages, Saint Michael became the patron of chivalry, like Saint George, and inspired the birth of chivalric orders dedicated to him, such as the Order of Saint Michael in France (1469) and the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George in England (1818).

Saint Michael the Archangel in Italy

In Italy, Saint Michael the Archangel is the patron of various categories and corps, including Paratroopers of the Folgore, Raiders of the 9th Col Moschin, Acquirers of the 185th RRAO Folgore, Law Enforcement, Paramedics, Sailors, Firefighters, Radiologists, the Sick, Grocers, Rescuers, and the Order of Minims.