St Michael the Archangel

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Michaelmas

Michaelmas, also known as the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, (or the Feast of the Archangels) is observed on September 29th. Michaelmas was celebrated as far back as the 5th century when Pope Gelasius I established a formal feast day for the warrior angel.

The feast day mainly commemorates the Archangel Michael’s victory over Lucifer, the triumph of good over evil and the protection of the Church. In some churches today, the prayer to St Michael to defeat the machinations of Lucifer is said after all masses; though in England this prayer is generally said privately by parishioners.

Timed near the autumn equinox, the feast day also marks the end of summer and has historical ties to harvest celebrations and the changing of the seasons.

The Archangel Michael is mentioned in the Bible, in the Book of Daniel and the Book of Revelation, even so, the theology surrounding his role at Michaelmas comes from Christian tradition and later interpretations.

Pope Leo XIII brought the worship of St Michael to prominence again, in the late 19th century, following a vision, in which Satan was given free rein over the earth for a period of a 100 years, to test the resilience of the Church and whether the faithful would stand firm against temptation and the forces of darkness. In an era of moral and ethical challenges, the Archangel Michael’s example of unwavering devotion to God’s will is a source of inspiration and strength.

Their feast days of Saints Michael, Raphael and Gabriel were unified during the second half of the 20th century. During the Middle Ages, Michaelmas was a holy day of obligation, but this tradition ended in the 18th century.

The Original St Michael Prayer

O Glorious Archangel St. Michael, Prince of the heavenly host, be our defence in the terrible warfare which we carry on against principalities and powers, against the rulers of this world of darkness, and spirits of evil.

Come to the aid of man, whom God created immortal, made in His own image and likeness, and redeemed at a great price from the tyranny of the devil. Fight this day the battle of the Lord, together with the holy angels, as already thou hast fought the leader of the proud angels, Lucifer, and his apostate host, who were powerless to resist Thee, nor was there place for them any longer in heaven. That cruel, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil or Satan, who seduces the whole world, was cast into the abyss with his angels.

Behold, this primeval enemy and slayer of men has taken courage. Transformed into an angel of light, he wanders about with all the multitude of wicked spirits, invading the earth in order to blot out the name of God and of His Christ, to seize upon, slay and cast into eternal perdition souls destined for the crown of eternal glory. This wicked dragon pours out, as a most impure flood, the venom of his malice on men; his depraved mind, corrupt heart, his spirit of lying, impiety, blasphemy, his pestilential breath of impurity and of every vice and iniquity. These most crafty enemies have filled and inebriated with gall and bitterness the Church, the Spouse of the Immaculate Lamb, and have laid impious hands on her most sacred possessions. In the Holy Place itself, where has been set up the See of the most holy Peter and the Chair of Truth for the light of the world, they have raised the throne of their abominable impiety, with the iniquitous design that when the Pastor has been struck, the sheep may be scattered.

Arise then, O invincible Prince, bring help against the attacks of the lost spirits to the people of God, and give them the victory. They venerate Thee as their protector and patron; in Thee Holy Church glories as her defence against the malicious power of hell; to Thee has God entrusted the souls of men to be established in heavenly beatitude. Oh, pray to the God of peace that He may put Satan under our feet, so far conquered that he may no longer be able to hold men in captivity and harm the Church. Offer our prayers in the sight of the Most High, so that they may quickly conciliate the mercies of the Lord; and beating down the dragon, the ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, do Thou again make him captive in the abyss, that he may no longer seduce the nations. Amen.

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Behold the Cross of the Lord; be scattered, hostile powers.

The Lion of the tribe of Judah has conquered, the root of David.

Let Thy mercies be upon us, O Lord
As we have hoped in Thee.

O Lord, hear my prayer.
And let my cry come unto Thee.

Let us pray:

God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we call upon Thy holy name, and we humbly implore Thy clemency, that by the intercession of Mary, ever Virgin Immaculate and our Mother, and of the glorious Archangel St. Michael, Thou wouldst deign to help us against Satan and all other unclean spirits, who wander about the world for the injury of the human race and the ruin of souls.

Amen.

Saint Michael Chaplet

This chaplet was given by Saint Michael to the Portuguese Carmelite nun Antonia d’Astonac. It was approved by Pope Pius IX and it starts with an act of contrition. Then there are nine salutations, one for each choir of angels. Each one is followed by an Our Father and three Hail Marys. Then four Our Fathers are said, one honouring Saints Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and the Guardian Angel. The chaplet concludes with a prayer to Saint Michael.

Act of Contrition

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven, and the pains of hell; but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace to confess my sins, to do penance and to amend my life. Amen.

The Prayer

O God, come to my assistance. O Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory be to the Father…

Then pray one ‘Our Father’ and three ‘Hail Marys’ after each of the following nine salutations:

By the intercession of Saint Michael and the celestial Choir of Seraphim may the Lord make us worthy to burn with the fire of perfect charity. Amen.

By the intercession of Saint Michael and the celestial Choir of Cherubim may the Lord grant us the grace to leave the ways of sin and run in the paths of Christian perfection. Amen.

By the intercession of Saint Michael and the celestial Choir of Thrones may the Lord infuse into our hearts a true and sincere spirit of humility. Amen.

By the intercession of Saint Michael and the celestial Choir of Dominions may the Lord give us grace to govern our senses and overcome any unruly passions. Amen.

By the intercession of Saint Michael and the celestial Choir of Powers may the Lord protect our souls against the snares and temptations of the devil. Amen.

By the intercession of Saint Michael and the celestial Choir of Virtues may the Lord preserve us from evil and falling into temptation. Amen.

By the intercession of Saint Michael and the celestial Choir of Principalities may God fill our souls with a true spirit of obedience. Amen.

By the intercession of Saint Michael and the celestial Choir of Archangels may the Lord give us perseverance in faith and in all good works in order that we may attain the glory of Heaven. Amen.

By the intercession of Saint Michael and the celestial Choir of Angels may the Lord grant us to be protected by them in this mortal life and conducted in the life to come to Heaven. Amen.

Next, one Our Father is to be said in honour of each of the following leading Angels: Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, Saint Raphael and our Guardian Angel.

Concluding Prayer

O glorious prince Saint Michael, chief and commander of the heavenly hosts, guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirits, servant in the house of the Divine King and our admirable conductor, you who shine with excellence and superhuman virtue deliver us from all evil, who turn to you with confidence and enable us by your gracious protection to serve God more and more faithfully every day.

Pray for us, O glorious Saint Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ, that we may be made worthy of His promises.

Almighty and Everlasting God, Who, by a prodigy of goodness and a merciful desire for the salvation of all men, has appointed the most glorious Archangel Saint Michael Prince of Your Church, make us worthy, we ask You, to be delivered from all our enemies, that none of them may harass us at the hour of death, but that we may be conducted by him into Your Presence. This we ask through the merits of Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Saint Michael Novena

(Say for nine consecutive days)

Saint Michael the Archangel, loyal champion of God and His Catholic people, I turn to thee with confidence and seek thy powerful intercession. For the love of God, Who hast made thee so glorious in grace and power, and for the love of the Mother of Jesus, the Queen of the Angels, be pleased to hear my prayer.

Thou knowest the value of my soul in the eyes of God. May no stain of evil ever disfigure its beauty. Help me to conquer the evil spirit who tempts me. I desire to imitate thy loyalty to God and Holy Mother Church and thy great love for God and men. And since thou art God’s messenger for the care of His people, I entrust to thee this special request: here mention your request.

Saint Michael, since thou art, by the will of the Creator, the powerful intercessor of Christians, I have great confidence in thy prayers. I earnestly trust that if it is God’s holy will, my petition will be granted.

Pray for me, Saint Michael, and also for those I love. Protect us in all dangers of body and soul. Help us in our daily needs. Through thy powerful intercession, may we live a holy life, die a happy death and reach Heaven where we may praise and love God with thee forever. Amen.

Short Exorcism Prayer to Saint Michael

— by Pope Leo XIII

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into Hell Satan and all evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Consecration to Saint Michael

Saint Michael the Archangel, invincible Prince of the Angelic hosts and glorious protector of the universal Church, I greet thee and praise thee for that splendour with which God has adorned thee so richly. I thank God for the great graces He hast bestowed upon thee, especially to remain faithful when Lucifer and his followers rebelled, and to battle victoriously for the honour of God and the Divinity of the Son of Man.

Saint Michael, I consecrate to thee my soul and body. I choose thee as my patron and protector and entrust the salvation of my soul to thy care. Be the guardian of my obligation as a child of God and of the Catholic Church as again I renounce Satan, his works and pomps.

Assist me by thy powerful intercession in the fulfilment of these sacred promises, so that imitating thy courage and loyalty to God, and trusting in thy kind help and protection, I may be victorious over the enemies of my soul and be united with God in Heaven forever. Amen.

Prayers to the Archangel Gabriel

The Angel Gabriel is a significant figure across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, primarily known as a messenger of God. He is an archangel, holding a high rank and serving as an intermediary between the divine and humanity. In each religion, Gabriel is associated with delivering important messages and announcing significant events.

Divine Messenger: Gabriel’s primary role is to deliver messages from God to individuals and humanity.

Herald of Salvation: In Christianity, Gabriel’s announcements of Jesus’s birth and John the Baptist’s birth are seen as crucial steps in God’s plan for salvation.

Symbol of Divine Grace: Gabriel’s appearances are often associated with God’s favour and intervention in human affairs.

Warrior Angel: In some traditions, Gabriel is also depicted as a warrior angel, fighting for God’s cause.

Connection to the Holy Spirit: Gabriel’s role in the Annunciation is linked to the Holy Spirit, as Mary conceives Jesus through the Holy Spirit.

In essence, Gabriel’s theology centres around his role as a divine messenger, a herald of salvation, and a symbol of God’s grace and power. He is a key figure in the religious narratives of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, representing a bridge between the divine and human realms.

Known for delivering profound messages from God, the angel Gabriel plays a central role in many faiths, symbolising hope, guidance and transformation. His multifaceted role encompasses not only his biblical significance but also his enduring presence in contemporary spiritual practices.

O Blessed Archangel Gabriel, we beseech thee, do thou intercede for us at the throne of divine Mercy in our present necessities, that as thou didst announce to Mary the mystery of the Incarnation, so through thy prayers and patronage in heaven we may obtain the benefits of the same, and sing the praise of God forever in the land of the living. Amen.

General Prayer for Guidance and Strength

“Heavenly Father, I come before you with a humble heart, asking for the powerful intercession of St. Gabriel the Archangel. I seek his guidance and strength in my life, particularly in matters of communication and understanding. Please, St. Gabriel, shield me from the snares of the enemy and guide me on the path of righteousness. May God’s grace surround me and protect me from all darkness, and fill my heart with courage, knowing that you and your angels stand guard over me. Amen.”

Prayer for Clarity and Revelation

“O blessed Archangel Gabriel, I beseech you to intercede for me at the throne of divine mercy. As you announced the mystery of the Incarnation to Mary, I ask for your help in receiving and understanding God’s messages for me. Help me to overcome any obstacles, such as unhealthy attitudes or habits, that hinder my ability to hear God’s voice. Grant me the wisdom and clarity to discern His will for my life. Amen.”

Prayer for Help with Relationships

“St. Gabriel, angel of communication, I ask for your assistance in my relationships. Help me to build connections based on mutual understanding and respect, where we can learn from each other’s perspectives. If communication has broken down in a relationship due to misunderstanding or betrayal, please grant me the strength and wisdom to overcome the issue and restore healthy communication. Thank you for all the good news you bring into people’s lives. Amen.”

Prayer for Protection and Healing

“Archangel Gabriel, you who are the strength of God, I ask for your protective wings and comfort. Help me to find strength and peace in facing my sufferings, and calm my anxieties so I can be patient. Give me the wisdom to emerge victorious from this trial. Send your light and peace to help me find tranquillity. I also ask for your protection for my loved ones. Amen.”

Prayer for Specific Needs

“Saint Gabriel the Archangel, I ask for your powerful intercession for (mention your specific intention, e.g., a difficult situation, a need for healing, guidance in a decision). You are the messenger of God, and I trust that if it is God’s will, my petition will be granted. Please, St. Gabriel, pray for me and those I love, and help us to live holy lives. Amen.”

Prayers to the Archangel Raphael

In Christian theology, Archangel Raphael is known as the angel of healing, mercy, and divine guidance. He is one of the three archangels mentioned by name in the Bible (specifically the Book of Tobit) and is considered a powerful intercessor for healing and protection.

Key aspects of Raphael’s theology:

Healing: Raphael is primarily known for his role as a healer. The Book of Tobit highlights his healing of Tobit’s blindness and his role in freeing Sarah from the demon Asmodeus. His name, derived from the Hebrew “rapha” meaning “God has healed,” underscores this aspect.

Protection and Guidance: Raphael is also a protector and guide, particularly for travellers and those seeking guidance in life. He is depicted as a companion and protector in the Book of Tobit, leading Tobit’s son, Tobiah, on a journey.

Intercession: Raphael is one of the seven holy angels who stand before God’s throne and present the prayers of the saints. Catholics invoke him through prayer, seeking his intercession for healing, protection, and guidance.

Patron Saint: Raphael is the patron saint of travellers, the blind, happy meetings, nurses, physicians, and those involved in Christian marriage.

Scriptural Basis: The Book of Tobit (also known as Tobías) is the primary source for Raphael’s story in the Bible. He appears as a human traveller named Azarias, who guides Tobiah on a journey and reveals his true identity as the angel Raphael at the end. Raphael’s actions in the Book of Tobit demonstrate his healing and protective roles.

In summary, Raphael’s theology centres on his role as a divine healer, protector, and guide, with his actions in the Book of Tobit serving as a foundation for his significance in Christian tradition.

A common prayer to Archangel Raphael asks for his healing and guidance, both for oneself and others. Many prayers also invoke his assistance in journeys, finding a life partner, or resolving marital issues. His name, meaning “God heals,” is central to his role in Catholic tradition, where he is seen as a protector of travellers and a healer of both physical and spiritual ailments.

Prayer to St Raphael the Archangel for Healing, Guidance, and Safe Journeys

The name Raphael means “God has healed.” This archangel does not appear in the Hebrew scriptures, only in the Septuagint, in the Book of Tobit, where he is mentioned as the travelling companion of Tobias. Disguised as “Azarias, the son of the great Ananias,” Raphael serves as a friend who knows the way. Of the seven “archangels” that appear in the angelology of post-Exilic Judaism, Gabriel, Michael, and Raphael are the only three mentioned in the canonical scriptures. The patron of healing, medical workers, and travel, Raphael is worth getting to know.

“Raphael of the glorious seven who stand before
the throne of Him who lives and reigns;
Angel of health, the Lord has filled thy hand with
balm from heaven to soothe and cure our pain.
Heal and console the victims of disease and guide our
steps when doubtful of our ways.”

Holy Raphael, I entreat thee to help me in all my needs
and in all the trials of this life. And since thou art the
“physician” of God, I pray thee to heal my soul of its many
infirmities, and my body of the ills that afflict it, if this
favour be for my greater good.
I plead for angelic purity that I may be fit to be the
living temple of the Holy Spirit.   Amen.

Vouchsafe, O Lord God, to direct thy Holy Archangel
Raphael to our help, and may he whom we believe to be
ever in attendance on thy majesty, present our poor prayers
to thee for thy blessing, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth
and reigneth world without end.   Amen.

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The three archangels most commonly recognised in Christian tradition are Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. These archangels are mentioned by name in the Bible and are celebrated for their distinct roles in God’s plan.

Michael: Often depicted as a warrior, Michael is known as the leader of God’s army and the protector of the Church.

Gabriel: Known as God’s messenger, Gabriel is famous for announcing the births of John the Baptist and Jesus.

Raphael: Recognised as a healer, Raphael is known for his role in the Book of Tobit, where he guides and heals.