Like millions of Catholics, the members of my parish recite the same prayer at the end of every Mass: “St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle,” the congregation says in unison. “Be our protection against the wickedness and the snares of the devil….”

Each Mass, this prayer brings to my mind whatever battle my church, my parish, or my family may be fighting. And currently, the battle where the Catholic Church needs St. Michael’s intercession is obvious.