Mont Saint Michel: An Angelic Island on Earth

The incredible island of Mont Saint Michel is a sublime example of an angelic influence in Christian Civilization.

The small patch of land lies in a bay off the coast of Normandy, France, and has had a Catholic presence since the eighth century. This presence began in a most marvelous way when Saint Michael the Archangel himself appeared and requested that a church be erected there in his honor.

Overthe centuries,the small church was expanded to include an abbey hosting a community of Benedictine monks, then a monastery with crypts and cloisters, and eventually, a strategic military position with defensive fortifications and a medieval village.

The mount’s surreal beauty provokes great joy and awe. From the coast, the tower is visible miles away, and at that hazy distance appears like a fantastic mirage more than a solid stronghold. This idyllic view invites marveling souls to turn beyond worldly considerations, and contemplate higher ideals.

The harmony of the military fortifications and the religious abbey perfectly honor Saint Michael in his varied attributes. He is the one who rallied the angelic hosts with the cryof,“Who is like unto God?” and cast the rebellious angels along with Satan out of heaven. According to tradition, he is also one of the angels who stands before the throne ofGod singing eternal praise.

In a word, Mont Saint Michel’s transcendent beauty is an example of divine grace. Grace is the created participation in the uncreated life of God. When men correspond to the grace of God, the great marvels of history are worked and angelic edifices such as Mont Saint Michel are built.