MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL (SAINT)

Michael the Archangel is one of the patron saints of Brussels. Veneration of the saint dates from 1047, when CountLambert IIfounded a small church on theTreurenberghill and dedicated it to Michael. It is now the Cathédrale desSaints Michel-et-Gudule.

Devotion to Saint Michael was popular inFlanders, dating from the mid-eighth century, having spread from the Middle East through Italy into northern Europe. Saint Michael has been featured on the seal of the city since 1229 and a statue of the saint adorns the top of theHôtel de Ville.

According to legend, Lambert II kidnapped his father Henry II's fiancée, for which he had been sentenced to death. Lambert prayed to the saint to secure his escape, and, through divine intervention, he succeeded in doing so. In gratitude, he proclaimed Saint Michael the patron saint of the town. His principal feast day is 29 September.

See alsoGudule.