Secret of Mont Saint Michel: The Golden Archangel

Discover the Archangel who dominates the Mount

If you visit Mont Saint Michel between February 15 and April 15, 2016, you will miss something quite
essential: the statue of the Archangel Michael which dominates it at 156 m above sea level.

This statue, erected in 1897, made by Emmanuel Frémiet, will be hoisted on February 15 (according to the weather) will be taken by road to Perigueux. There, a specialized company, Socra, will oversee the restoration of the statue and the reconstitution of the thin layer of gold leaves which protects it.

The last and only restoration took place in 1987. It should last only 2 months.

This statue, 2.80 m high, weighing 800 kg, has an iron structure covered with copper leaves and a layer of gold. It is not only decorative, it has an essential utility to the Mount. This is the main lightning rod of Mont Saint Michel. Lightning is drawn to the end of the Archangel's sword and wings, which not only symbolically protects the Mount.
Beyond, this representation of St Michael slaying the Dragon (symbol of Satan) is a symbol of the victory of the forces good versus evil.

And it is the Archangel St Michel who appeared to Aubert, bishop of Avranches, to order him to erect the Mount Tombe which became Mont Saint Michel. You can see the skull of St Aubert, the Treasury, at the church of St Gervais d'Avranches. This one has a small hole whose hagiographic legend wants it was made by the finger of St Michel to convince Aubert to execute his order.

Archangel Michael is the leader of heavenly forces in the Catholic tradition. He is also the protector of the Catholic church and Normandy. He is also the Patron Saint of grocers, fencers, laborers, policemen, soldiers, boatmen, bakers, pastry chefs, coopers and paratroopers. The Bay of Mont Saint Michel is full of legends that overlap and to better understand the Wonder.

Illustrations and credits: Wikipedia Thomas Doussau Mont Saint Michel, Paul Gout, 1910The Michel Exchange, Le Pérugin, around 1499, National Gallery of London.