“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”
Today is the feast of the Archangels on the Church calendar. Each of the three angels honored today have specific assignments with humanity, according to the Bible.
Michael is revealed as the protector; Gabriel is the communicator; Raphael is the healer. I can't think of an era in history when they all were more needed. Perhaps, especially in our morally troubled times, Michael is critically necessary.
The St. Michael Prayer was written by Pope Leo XIII in the 19th century following a vision of demons released from hell to wreak havoc on Earth and St. Michael's ongoing battle against them. The short, popular version of the prayer appears below. It was recited at the end of Mass until the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s. Many Catholic churches still pray it at the end of mass, including both my children's parishes.
The much longer, detailed version of the St. Michael Prayer is in this link.
Saint Michael Prayer
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
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September 29 ~ The Feast of Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael |