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Figure 20. St. Michael Medal
This medal depicts the figure of the Archangel Michael holding a shield and a
large sword. The point of the sword stabs the head of the serpent (Satan) coiled
at his feet. On the back of the medal, there is a cross bordered by a Latin
inscription that reads: Sign (or seal) of the confraternity of St. Michael the
Archangel." A confraternity is an association of either laymen (or laywomen)
who join together to do charitable work accompanied by prescribed prayers.
The scapular of St. Michael originated under Pope Pius IX, who gave it his
blessing, and was formally approved under Pope Leo XIII around 1878. (Fr.
Daniel McMullin personal communication 2010). Image taken from the Clark
Manuscript.
Miscellaneous Medal Category:
Owing to corrosion or other damage, it was impossible to fully identify two of
the medal types in the Rock Foundation collection. However, I have done my
best to describe the findings in hopes that this lack of information will
eventually be resolved.
The “Church” medal is octagonal (a rare shape) and depicts a building with
peaked roof and fleur de lis; the bust of a bald man with a pronounced nose is
on the other side.
The “Book lady” medal features a woman (Mary?) sitting with an open book
on the front and a regal looking male on back.
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