September 29
Feast of the Archangels - Saints Michael (who is like unto God), Gabriel (God is my strength), and Raphael (God has healed)
Old Calendar*: Dedication of the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel (Michaelmas Day)
*This feast commemorates the dedication to St. Michael of an ancient church at Rome at a date earlier than the sixth century. St. Michael the Archangel is honored as the supreme guardian spirit of the universal Church. In heaven Michael led the good angels against Lucifer and his rebel angels. The fallen angels pursue on earth that same war against the Man-God Christ which they began in heaven. Therefore Michael continues to direct the battle against them here on earth. The standard-bearer of the Church, he introduces the departed souls of her children into God’s holy light (Offertory Hymn of Requiem Mass). He also presents our prayers to God (Incensation at High Mass), conquers demons (Prayers after Low Mass), and pleads for us sinners (Confiteor).
This is a special feast day to our family, in a sobering way. My dear husband went to naming our first lost child, Michael. The process of naming our beloved soul came years after our loss. Nonetheless, it provided a great deal of healing for both my husband and I.
Since then we have named two additional babies that have joined Our Heavenly Father, Raphael and Gabriel.
We will be silently reflecting on our angels and the archangels. We will also join the 40 Days of Life prayer vigil at a local abortion mill, to end the evils of abortion.
RESOURCES
– Children’s Activities
Feast of the Archangels – Games
– Prayers
Sermon on The Angels Feast of St. Michael – Audio
Archangels Feast Day Info & Prayers
Consecration Prayer to St. Michael
Michael of the Morning – Story of a Solider
– Pro Life
Pro-life Novena for the Unborn
Michael, Michael of the morning
Fresh chord of dawn adorning,
Keep me safe today,
And in time of temptation
Drive the devil away. Amen.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
This prayer was composed by Pope Leo XIII in 1886 and is offered for the private recitation of the faithful in accord with the decree of Inde Ab Aliquot Annis of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, September 29, 1985.
Glorious Prince of the Celestial Host, St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in the conflict which we have to sustain against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places (Eph 6:12). Come to the rescue of men whom God has redeemed at a great price from the tyranny of the devil. It is thou whom Holy Church venerates as her guardian and her protector; thou whom the Lord has charged to conduct redeemed souls into heaven. Pray therefore, the God of peace, to subdue Satan beneath our feet, that he may no longer retain men captive nor do injury to the Church. Present our prayers to the Most High, that without delay they may draw His mercy down upon us. Seize "the dragon, the ancient serpent, which is the devil and Satan," bind him and cast him into the bottomless pit…"that he may no longer seduce the nations" (Rev 20:2-3).
