Have you ever questioned or wondered about some aspect of the Catholic faith? Well now is your chance to do just that! Four County Catholic Magazine is introducing a new column entitled A QUESTION OF FAITH. Every edition will offer our readers’ the opportunity to ask and have their questions answered. We are grateful to Father Richard D. Breton, Jr. for his willingness to assist us in this new endeavor.
Father Breton has been a priest for 15 years and is the parochial vicar of Guardian Angels Parish in Colchester. In addition to his parish responsibilities, Father Breton is a spiritual director at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell, as well as the minister templi, or chaplain, of the Catholic Templars, New York Commandery, USA. Father Breton also writes a weekly column called “The Beacon of Light” for The Wanderer, one of the oldest Catholic newspapers in the United States. Father has also published several articles in Homiletic and Pastoral Review and The National Catholic Register.
Does Satan Really Exist?
One of our readers recently asked if Satan really existed. In order to understand the existence of Satan, we must return to the moments prior to the fall of Adam and Eve. Why? Well, because the fall of Lucifer, or Satan, from God’s grace occurred prior to the temptation in the Garden of Eden. Sacred Scripture mentions the fall of Satan in both the Old and New Testaments. The Book of Revelation describes a great battle in heaven between the archangel Michael and his angels and the dragon (Satan) and Satan’s angels:
“Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down — that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.” (Rv12:7-9)
There are specific teachings that help us address the topic of resisting Satan. In fact, the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers us a clearer understanding of this when it states that Satan's power is not infinite, as he is only a creature, albeit a powerful one as a pure spirit. (395) While Satan's actions can cause harm to individuals and society, they are permitted by Divine Providence, which guides human and cosmic history. The Church's teaching on the origin of Satan is based on the constant belief of the Church, the teaching of Christ and the understanding of the Gospel.
In addition to the catechism, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, in its document on Christian Faith and Demonology, highlights the warnings of the Second Vatican Council against the activity of Satan and the demons. The council reminds believers to “put on the armor of God and resist the wiles of the devil.” (Eph 6:11) It emphasizes that the struggles against the powers of darkness are ongoing and that the Church, as the kingdom of God, appeals to the miracles of Jesus, including His exorcisms.
So, returning to our original question of whether Satan is real, we can answer with a resounding yes! This is why we are encouraged to pray the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel daily. This powerful prayer helps us to avoid the cunningness and temptation of the evil one, by placing a wall between us and him. It is a battle cry, whereby we invoke the assistance of all the heavenly hosts and put on the armor for the battle that ensues around us each day. I would strongly encourage everyone to pray this prayer daily:
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
By Fr. Richard D. Breton Jr.