According to local news sources, a man reportedly under the influence of alcohol broke into the Cristo Rey Parish in Monterrey, Mexico, near the border with Texas in the early hours of Saturday morning.
He was attempting to steal a statue of St. Michael the Archangel when he tripped and fell, landing on the angel’s sword and sustaining serious injuries to his neck. Passersby saw him leaving the Church, clutching his neck and with blood on his hands. Paramedics managed to control the bleeding before Monterrey Police escorted him to a local hospital for treatment. Fortunately, the statue was unharmed by the incident.
Local residents spoke about what happened, with one store owner across from the Church noting that it was “a matter of divine justice”. Lupita stated that Saint Michael is often seen as a protector who combats evil and noted that this could be why he protected the Parish against being robbed by this thief.
“He is the great protector. He is included in the articles that we sell here, and he is a protector of homes, and that is why people say that maybe that is why he saved the Parish,” she added.
This neighborhood has been plagued by robberies and other incidents in recent years. In October alone, a man broke into the Church and stole an altar boy statue and an alms tray before being apprehended by police shortly afterwards just a few blocks away from the Church.
St. Michael is venerated as a saint in both Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches. He is known for protecting people against evil, guiding souls to their final resting place after death, judging their deeds, and serving as an intercessor between them and God.
He is also regarded as patron saint of grocers, paramedics, mariners, paratroopers, police officers as well as military personnel. September 29th marks St. Michael’s feast day each year on Roman Calendar system which serves as an important reminder of his legacy within Christianity across several denominations around world today.