Saint Andrew Academy

09/29/2026

Today, on the Feast of the Archangels, I am finally sharing my painting of St. Michael the Archangel.

For most of a decade, I thought and prayed about how I wanted to paint him. The painting itself took a full year to bring to completion—a year marked by many unexpected challenges. I was deeply aware of my poverty—of how little strength or control I actually have, and how completely I need the Lord.

In some ways, I found myself experiencing what I was depicting, and I’ll be honest—I didn’t always take it graciously. But God was patiently teaching me something about the very thing I was trying to paint.

The battle is real.

Evil, temptation, and suffering are real. We are weak, and there are battles we cannot fight by our own strength.

But we do not fight alone.

In Revelation, St. Michael leads the heavenly host against the dragon, and the dragon is cast down. Yet Scripture does not present this as the end of the struggle.

This is the strange and beautiful reality of the Christian life: Christ has already won the victory, and yet we are still in the midst of the battle.

On the cross, Jesus entered into the very depths of suffering and death, and rose again. He conquered sin and broke the power of death. Satan is not God's equal. Evil does not have the final word.

Yet God does not force us to choose Him. We are still called to persevere, repent when we fall, and to cooperate with His grace.

That is why I painted Michael with his face raised to Heaven. The dragon lies beneath his feet, but Michael is not looking at him.

He is looking at God.

He reminds us that the Christian life is not about trusting in our own strength, but belonging to Christ and keeping our eyes fixed on Him.

For Jesus is our hope, our strength, our glory.

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly hosts,
cast into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen

To bring this devotion into your home, please visit my website at:
https://sacredartbytianna.com/products/saint-michael-the-archangel

09/29/2026

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09/29/2026

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Archangels (Sept 29). What a joy to honor the three great archangels named in Scripture: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.

Michael (“Who is like God?”) is the warrior and protector. He leads the heavenly armies, casts down the dragon (Rev 12), and stands as our defender against the powers of darkness.

Gabriel (“God is my strength”) is the messenger of the Most High. He appears to Daniel, to Zechariah, and—most gloriously—to the Virgin Mary, announcing the Incarnation.

Raphael (“God heals”) is the companion and healer. In the Book of Tobit he guides young Tobias, drives out the demon, and restores sight to the blind—showing that God’s care reaches even the ordinary journeys of our lives.

Three names. Three missions. One Lord who commands them for our good.

Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, pray for us.

09/19/2026

Relics of Saint Bernadette, who saw the Virgin Mary at Lourdes, arrive in the United States today. 🙏

The relics of St. Bernadette will tour the United States for a yearlong 2026–2027 pilgrimage, beginning Sept. 18–20 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

The tour will visit about 140 Catholic churches, shrines, universities, hospitals, and other locations across the country, offering opportunities for veneration, prayer, Marian devotion, and Eucharistic celebrations.

09/09/2026

09/07/2026

Dear friends...we wanted to ensure everyone knows that our sweet Ms. Johnston passed away on Saturday. Please keep her family in your prayers.

09/01/2026

What a huge blessing for our Archdiocese! Please keep these young men in prayer. Such an amazing and unselfish vocation.

2026-27 Archdiocese of Louisville Seminarian Posters & Prayer Cards are being delivered to parishes and schools now. Make sure you familiarize yourself with all 23 of our seminarians and pray for them as they continue their journey of discernment of God's call in their lives.