ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN SEPTEMBER
Saints celebrated on the 29th of September
THE FEAST OF ST MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL (MICHAELMAS)
The Feast of Saint Michael, or Michaelmas Day, is September 29. As it is not certain just what church is commemorated as having been dedicated on this day, the pious belief has gained favour that the entire Catholic Church is here indicated. For by casting the rebel spirits into the abyss, St Michael dedicated the Church Triumphant in Heaven as the peaceful abode of the Angels; and as he wards off the devil and his colleagues from the Church upon earth, he has dedicated the Church Militant as the secure dwelling place of the faithful upon earth. Finally, as helper and consoler of the souls in Purgatory, the Church Suffering is placed under his care.
HE WARDS OFF THE DEVIL
This feast of St Michael has ever been one of the outstanding feasts of the Church. However, the liturgy for the feast is not confined to the veneration of St Michael alone, but includes all the Angels, particularly those who are appointed as guardians of mankind.
ALL ANGELS
The Irish people have always held the captain of the heavenly host in great veneration, as is evident from the number of ancient churches dedicated to him. They termed him “Adrigh na Aaingeal” – “the High King of the Angels”.
VENERATION OF ST MICHAEL IN ENGLAND
Veneration of St Michael was at one time practised so extensively in England that in the year 1114 King Ethelred ordained that the three days immediately preceding the Feast of St Michael should be days of strict fast.
In the Middle Ages the knights especially consecrated themselves to St Michael. The German people, too, have long been fervently devoted to this holy Archangel.
PRAYER TO ST MICHAEL
(After low Mass and in times of danger to souls)
St Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our safeguard 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 the other evil spirits, who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
[This text is from 1962. - On this day, the Archangels St Gabriel and St Raphael are celebrated, too.]
➡️ The Feast of the Apparition of St Michael
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