The High Altar of Angels
Walking into Saint Michael in Old Town, the visitor is immediately attracted to the High Altar of Angels, as they walk down the aisle. This ornate carved wood, painted altar is the centerpiece of the church.
A special foundation was necessary to support this 56’ high altar. The focal point is Saint Michael at the very top, flanked by the archangels Gabriel and Raphael. The scene shows Michael casting Lucifer from heaven.
As you move down the altar from the top, you view many different angels including angels holding symbols of the crucifixion. Even the nine choirs of angels are represented.
Two life size heroic figures retained from the previous altar are inserted into niches of this new altar. Identification is made by the attributes they are holding. Saint Peter is holding a key and Saint Paul is holding a sword.
A little lower in the altar, there are four smaller statues. They can also be identified by their attributes; Matthew (Winged Man), Luke (Winged Ram), Mark (Winged Lion) and John (Eagle) from left to right. These statues had been in the nave of the church previous to the installation of this altar and were brought up and put into the new formed niches.
The Poor Souls Altar
The Poor Souls Altar depicts a soul being raised from purgatory to be united with Christ through the intercession of the priest at Mass.
You can see two of the remaining light bulbs, of the 2000, that decorated the High Altar and various arches. That was the tradition at the time. The light bulbs were removed in 1952.
The Latin phrase at the bottom inset of the Altar is translated as “The written book will be brought forth, in which the whole (record of evidence) is contained whence the world is to be judged.”
The Sacred Heart Altar
The Sacred Heart Altar honors Christ as He appeared to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 16th century.
On either side of Jesus are Saints Alphonsus Liguori and Theresa of Avila, both founders of religious orders. Saint Alphonsus founded the Order of Redemptorists which is the Order of priests that have been at Saint Michael in Old Town for over 150 years. They continue now to serve the current parish. Saint Theresa of Avila founded the Discalced Carmelite Religious Order of Nuns.
Many young people pray at this altar if they consider the pursuit of Holy Orders.
The Family Altar or Saint Joseph Altar
Saint Joseph tenderly holds the Christ Child at the height of the altar. He is flanked by Saints Joachim (father of Mary) and Anne (mother of Mary). Saint Anne is shown with the young Mary.
There is an inset at the bottom of the altar detailing the death of Joseph.
This altar is a favorite place for the entire family to gather to pray. Many pray for the health of their children. Also, many newlywed couples go in front of this altar to pray for their home to be blessed with children.
Our Mother of Perpetual Help Altar
Many generations have handed down the faithful story that explains how the icon of the Mother of Perpetual Help Icon survived the fire. Parishioners pray to the Mother of Perpetual of Help for miracles to happen on their behalf regarding a loved one suffering of illness or to support their own needs. Many feel that their prayers are answered by Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
The icon is filled with symbolism when analyzed carefully looking at Mary’s eyes and Jesus with his sandal slipping off and the two angels holding symbols of the crucifixion.
This icon is most dear to the Redemptorist Order of Priests due to its history with Saint Alphonsus.
