Wednesday, 15 April 2026

Saint Michael the Archangel Through the Ages - Fr. Frederick Schmit O.Praem and Fr. Peregrine Fletcher O.Praem

Saint Michael the Archangel Through the Ages 
Fr. Frederick Schmit O.Praem 
Fr. Peregrine Fletcher O.Praem (Illustrator) 
ISBN 9781505133738
eISBN 9781505138504
eISBN 9781505138498

Saint Michael the Archangel Through the Ages - Fr. Frederick Schmit O.Praem and Fr. Peregrine Fletcher O.Praem

This is a stunning new volume for young readers and the young at heart. I absolutely loved it in my mid-fifties, and my son who is 18 came in and loved the artwork and book as well. I already have plans to pick up a few copies as baptism and first communion gifts. This is an excellent volume. I have read a few volumes specific to Saint Michael over the years and have participated the last few years in Saint Michael’s Lent. I was very excited when I first heard about this volume and it far exceeded expectations.

The description of this volume states:

Overview
Saint Michael the Archangel Through the Ages is a beautifully illustrated and engagingly written guide that introduces children to the great defender of Heaven and protector of the Church. From his mighty battle against Satan to his role in the Second Coming, this book traces St. Michael’s God-given mission throughout salvation history.
 
Fathers Peregrine Fletcher and Frederick Schmit, O.Praem., weave together Scripture, tradition, and captivating storytelling to show how St. Michael has intervened in the lives of saints and holy men and women across the centuries. Young readers will encounter beloved figures such as St. Joan of Arc, St. Patrick, and Constantine, alongside lesser-known saints like St. Lorenzo of Siponto and Blessed Alcuin of York. Through twelve interwoven stories, children discover how St. Michael protects, guides, and even corrects those entrusted to his care.
 
Rich in history, devotion, and wonder, this book helps children understand that St. Michael is not only a heroic figure of the past but an active intercessor and friend today.

What Your Child Will Discover
     • St. Michael’s battle with Satan and his role in salvation history
     • His active presence in the Old Testament
     • The Prayer to St. Michael and its meaning
     • The celebration of Michaelmas and its traditions
     • Michael’s Sword and the seven special shrines dedicated to him
     • His role in the Second Coming”

About the authors we are informed:

“Fr. Frederick Schmit, O.Praem. is a canon of St. Michael's Abbey in Silverado, California. He originally hails from Oregon. He entered the monastery in 2011, and he currently serves as the abbey's Sacristan and Master of Ceremonies.” 

and 

“Fr. Peregrine Fletcher, O.Praem. is a canon of St. Michael's Abbey in Silverado, California. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, he entered the Norbertine Order in 2013, professed his solemn vows in 2019, and was ordained to the priesthood the following year. He currently serves his community as Master of Novices.”

we are also informed:

“The Norbertines conduct their digital ministry through the Abbot's Circle, a virtual monastery experience of St. Michael's Abbey. Learn more at www.abbotscircle.com. He is also the author of the TAN book, My Name is Philomena.”

The chapters and sections in this volume are:

Part I Defender of Heaven Protector of Earth

Part II Patron of the Church Helper of Saints
     The Church 
          Saint Michael Guardian of New Israel
     Emperor Constantine 
          Saint Michael’s First Shrine
     Saint Patrick 
          Saint Michael, High King of Angels
     Pope Saint Gregory the Great 
          Saint Michael, Plague Destroyer
     Saint Lorenzo of Siponto
          Monte Gargano
     Saint Aubert
          Mont-Saint-Michel
     Blessed Alcuin of York
          Saint Michael’s Poet
     Saint Giovanni Vincenzo
          Saint Michael the Builder
     Saint Norbert
          Saint Michael’s Tower
     Blessed Christiana
          Saint Michael to the Rescue
     Saint Joan of Arc
          Saint Michael’s Soldier
     Diego Lazaro
          San Miguel del Milagro
     Saint Gerard Majella
          The Bread of Angels
     Who is Like Michael?
          Michaels Around the World

Part III Our Guardian Now until the End
     Michaelmas
          Our Celebration of Saint Michael
     Sword of Saint Michael
          Seven Special Shrines
     Prayers Like Incense
          Saint Michael, Our Intercessor
     Patron Saint
          Joining Forces with Saint Michael
     Leader To The Light
          Saint Michael, Guide of Souls
     The Saint Michael Prayer
          Our Weapon Against the Enemy
     The Final Battle
          Saint Michael’s Victory
     The Final Resurrection
          The Archangel’s Trumpet
     The Vision of God
          Our Heavenly Home with Saint Michael

This was a wonderful book to read and work through. The illustrations are amazing. The representations of the days of creation and choirs of angels are masterfully done. I was familiar with a few of the Saints encountered but some were brand new to me, as were some of the Saint Michal connections or interactions. I have added a few of those encountered to Saints I want to research and do more reading on. 

This volume would be an excellent addition to any home, school, or church library. The information is great and the illustrations are awesome. This is a volume I wish I had when my own children were younger or even when I was young myself. It is one of the best Catholic picture books I have encountered, as such I can easily recommend it. 

Saint Michael the Archangel Through the Ages - Fr. Frederick Schmit O.Praem and Fr. Peregrine Fletcher O.Praem sample 1

Saint Michael the Archangel Through the Ages - Fr. Frederick Schmit O.Praem and Fr. Peregrine Fletcher O.Praem sample 2

Saint Michael the Archangel Through the Ages - Fr. Frederick Schmit O.Praem and Fr. Peregrine Fletcher O.Praem sample 3

Saint Michael the Archangel Through the Ages - Fr. Frederick Schmit O.Praem and Fr. Peregrine Fletcher O.Praem sample

Saint Michael the Archangel Through the Ages - Fr. Frederick Schmit O.Praem and Fr. Peregrine Fletcher O.Praem sample 5

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!  


No comments: