Friday, September 29, 2023
German Butterbrot Day
Chaplet of St. Michael,
the ‘Rosary of Angels’
MICHAELMAS: 29 SEPTEMBER
SEE ALSO: PRAYERS TO ANGELS
The Chaplet of St. Michael the Archangel (or Rosary of the Angels) was given to Antónia d’Astónaco, a Portuguese Carmelite, by St. Michael with the promises listed below. It honours St. Michael and the nine Angelic Choirs and was approved and indulgenced by Ven. Pope Pius IX in 1851.
“Whoever would practice this devotion in his honour would have,
when approaching the Holy Table, an escort of nine angels chosen from
each of the nine Choirs. In addition, for the daily recital of these
nine salutations, he promised his continual assistance and that all the
holy angels during life, and after death deliverance from Purgatory for
themselves and all their relations.”
(Promises of St. Michael to Antonia d’Astonac; see also)
The St. Michael Chaplet was recommended by St. Padre Pio to all of
his spiritual children and to those who were suffering from
temptations. It can be prayed daily or at any time and is especially
recommended on the following feasts:
• Apparition of St. Michael the Archangel (May 8)
• Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael (September 29) *
• Holy Guardian Angels (October 2)
• Archangel St. Raphael (October 24)
• And on Tuesdays
* Commence a novena to complete on the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary (October 7)
Click here for an easy, step-by-step guide to the core Latin prayers.
All Latin text & audio snippets taken from Boston-Catholic-Journal.com, where CD & MP3 recordings can be ordered or downloaded for free.
Alternative Latin text can be found at TheLatinPrayersPodcast.
St. Michael Chaplet beeds can be purchased online at Immaculee.com
St. Michael Chaplet | ‘Rosary of the Angels’
(Sancti Michaelis Chaplet Latine)
Audio Player
Opening Act of Contrition (on Medal):
V/. O God, + come to my assistance
R/. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory Be …
First Salutation:
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Seraphim, may the Lord make us worthy to burn with the fire of perfect charity. Amen.
Our Father … (3x) Hail Mary
Second Salutation:
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Cherubim, may the Lord vouchsafe to grant us grace to leave the ways of wickedness to run in the paths of Christian perfection. Amen.
Our Father … (3x) Hail Mary
Third Salutation:
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Thrones, may the Lord infuse into our hearts a true and sincere spirit of humility. Amen.
Our Father … (3x) Hail Mary
Fourth Salutation:
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Dominations, may the Lord give us grace to govern our senses and subdue our unruly passions. Amen.
Our Father … (3x) Hail Mary
Fifth Salutation:
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Virtues, may the Lord preserve us from evil and suffer us not to fall into temptation. Amen.
Our Father … (3x) Hail Mary
Sixth Salutation:
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Powers, may the Lord vouchsafe to protect our souls against the snares and temptations of the devil. Amen.
Our Father … (3x) Hail Mary
Seventh Salutation:
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Principalities, may God fill our souls with a true spirit of obedience. Amen.
Our Father … (3x) Hail Mary
Eight Salutation:
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Archangels, may the Lord give us perseverance in faith and in all good works, in order that we gain the glory of Paradise. Amen.
Our Father … (3x) Hail Mary
Ninth Salutation:
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Angels, may the Lord grant us to be protected by them in this mortal life and conducted hereafter to eternal glory. Amen.
Our Father … (3x) Hail Mary
In honour of St. Michael: Our Father …
In honour of St. Gabriel: Our Father …
In honour of St. Raphael: Our Father …
In honour of our Guardian Angel: Our Father …
Concluding Prayer (on Medal):
O
GLORIOUS Prince St. 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, thou who dost shine with
excellence and superhuman virtue, vouchsafe to deliver us from all evil,
who turn to thee with confidence, and enable us by thy gracious
protection to serve God more and more faithfully every day.
V/. Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ.
R/. 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, hast appointed the most glorious Archangel, St. Michael, Prince of Thy Church, make us worthy, we beseech Thee, 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 the august presence of Thy Divine Majesty. This we beg through the merits of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Who is like unto God? Who can withstand the sword of St. Michael?
••••••••
Sáncte Michael | St. Michael Prayer
Audio PlayerST. MICHAEL the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our protection against the malice and snares of the devil. We humbly beseech Thee, O God, to command him; and do Thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by the divine power thrust into hell Satan and the other evil spirits who roam through the world seeking the destruction of souls. Amen.
Invocation:
HOLY Archangel Michael, defend us in battle, that we may not perish in the tremendous day of judgement.
(Pre-1968 Indulgence of 300 days)
Pray the St. Michael Chaplet with Mother Angelica
(Mother’s pious & contemplative pace adds about 10 minutes in length.)
~~~ +++++++ ~~~
Invocation of the Nine Choirs of Angels
O Holy Angels, watch over us at all times during this perilous life;
O holy Archangels, be our guides on the way to heaven;
O heavenly choir of the Principalities, govern us in soul and body;
O mighty Powers, preserve us against the wiles of the demons;
O celestial Virtues, give us strength and courage in the battle of life;
O powerful Dominations, obtain for us dominion over the rebellion of our flesh;
O sacred Thrones, grant us peace with God and man;
O brilliant Cherubim, illumine our minds with heavenly knowledge;
O burning Seraphim, enkindle in our hearts the fire of charity.
Amen.
•••••••
August Queen of Heaven Prayer
AUGUST Queen of the Heavens, Heavenly Sovereign of the Angels, thou who from the beginning received from God the power and the mission to crush the head of Satan, we humbly beseech thee, to send thy holy Legions so that, under thy command and through thy power, they may pursue the demons, combat them everywhere, suppress their boldness and drive them back into the abyss.
“Who is like unto God?”
O good and tender Mother, thou shalt always be our love and our hope!
O Divine Mother, send thy holy Angels to defend us and drive far away from us the cruel enemy.
All ye holy Angels and Archangels, defend us and guard us. Amen.
God bless us and the Virgin protect us!
(Given to Bl. Father Louis Cestac, 13 January 1864)
••••••••
Psalm 90
Qui habitat.
The just is secure under the protection of God.
[1] The praise of a canticle for David.
HE that dwelleth in the aid of the most High, shall abide under the protection of the God of Jacob. [2] He shall say to the Lord: Thou art my protector, and my refuge: my God, in him will I trust. [3] For he hath delivered me from the snare of the hunters: and from the sharp word. [4] He will overshadow thee with his shoulders: and under his wings thou shalt trust. [5] His truth shall compass thee with a shield: thou shalt not be afraid of the terror of the night.
[6] Of the arrow that flieth in the day, of the business that walketh about in the dark: of invasion, or of the noonday devil. [7] A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand: but it shall not come nigh thee. [8] But thou shalt consider with thy eyes: and shalt see the reward of the wicked. [9] Because thou, O Lord, art my hope: thou hast made the most High thy refuge. [10] There shall no evil come to thee: nor shall the scourge come near thy dwelling.
[11] For he hath given his angels charge over thee; to keep thee in all thy ways. [12] In their hands they shall bear thee up: lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. [13] Thou shalt walk upon the asp and the basilisk: and thou shalt trample under foot the lion and the dragon. [14] Because he hoped in me I will deliver him: I will protect him because he hath known my name. [15] He shall cry to me, and I will hear him: I am with him in tribulation, I will deliver him, and I will glorify him.
[16] I will fill him with length of days; and I will shew him my salvation.
Gloria Patri …
•••••••
Litany of St. Michael the Archangel
(Private use only)
Lord, have mercy on us. (Lord have mercy on us.)
Christ, have mercy on us. (Christ have mercy on us.)
Lord, have mercy on us. (Lord, have mercy on us.)
Christ, hear us. (Christ, hear us.)
Christ, graciously hear us. (Christ, graciously hear us.)
God the Father of heaven, (have mercy on us.)
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, (have mercy on us.)
God the Holy Ghost, (have mercy on us.)
Holy Trinity, one God, (have mercy on us.)
Holy Mary, Queen of the Angels, (* pray for us)
Saint Michael, the Archangel, (* pray for us)
Most glorious attendant of the Triune Divinity, (*)
Standing at the right of the altar of Incense, (*)
Ambassador of Paradise, (*)
Glorious Prince of the Heavenly armies, (*)
Leader of the Angelic hosts, (*)
The standard-bearer of God’s armies, (*)
Defender of Divine glory, (*)
First defender of the Kingship of Christ, (*)
Strength of God, (*)
Invincible Prince and warrior, (*)
Angel of Peace, (*)
Guide of Christ, (*)
Guardian of the Catholic Faith, (*)
Champion of God’s people, (*)
Guardian Angel of the Eucharist, (*)
Defender of the Church, (*)
Protector of the Sovereign Pontiff, (*)
Angel of Catholic action, (*)
Powerful intercessor of Christians, (*)
Bravest defender of those who hope in God, (*)
Guardian of our souls and bodies, (*)
Healer of the sick, (*)
Help of those in their agony, (*)
Consoler of the Souls in Purgatory, (*)
God’s messenger for the souls of the just, (*)
Terror of the evil spirits, (*)
Victorious in battle against evil, (*)
Guardian and Patron of the universal Church, (*)
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, (spare us, O Lord.)
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, (graciously hear us, O Lord.)
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, (have mercy on us.)
V/. Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ.
R/. That we may be made worthy of His promises.
Let us pray.
Sanctify us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, with Thy holy blessing, and grant
us, by the intercession of St. Michael, that wisdom which teaches us to
lay up treasures in Heaven by exchanging the goods of this world for
those of eternity, Thou Who livest and reignest, world without end.
Amen.
(Taken from CatholicTradition.org)
DAY 46 - MARY, QUEEN ASSUMED INTO HEAVEN, PRAY FOR US
Join us for Rosary Coast to Coast!
In the Battle of Lepanto, the Turks believed Christianity had become so weak, it was time to move in and "deal the last blow." Outnumbered, Pope St. Pius V called upon the world to pray the rosary. Miraculously, victory was won on October 7, 1571, which brought the Feast of Our Lady of Victory.
Here we are again, my brothers and sisters. The enemy appears to be attempting to "deal the last blow." There is no doubt we are living in diabolically influenced times. This, while Godless leaders and influencers in our nation have usurped the phrase, “This is a battle for the soul of America,” as their evil abominations unto God easily become a “new normal” in the lives of our loved ones?! Those who choose to stand in the “Spirit of Truth” are mocked, persecuted, abandoned and put out?! The time is now to do the "Lepanto thing!"
PLEASE join us for Rosary Coast to Coast on the Feast of Our Lady of Victory, October 7, 2023 at 3:00pm CST to pray the Glorious Mysteries as a nation. It simply means to gather with a group of 2 or more outside (if possible) as we call upon the powerful intercession of Our Lady to Heal Our Land!!
Go to RosaryCoasttoCoast.com to find more information and register your group.
Let’s … UNITE AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS!!
BORDER WALKERS
Priest: Bishop. Robert Barron says, “A priest prays for others, intercedes, and performs sacrifices. Priests are border walkers. They walk the border between heaven and earth. They are mediators as friends of God and friends of the human race. They bring divinity and humanity together. It means you must be a person of prayer — intercessory prayer — prayer on behalf of others. It pleases God to channel his providential care precisely through us and through the instrumentality of our prayer.”
Recall the last line of the Warrior Ethos: “I will never leave a fallen comrade.” Consider the recent Medal of Honor recipients who reportedly ran through a hail of bullets to rescue their comrades from the clutches of the enemy. It is very similar in the spiritual realm. When our loved ones are “dead in sin,” they are not only separated from God, but they lose their desire to seek God. Some become so far removed from God that they find repulsive all things spiritual. So, prayer, Holy Mass, spiritual reading, etc. all become boring and, to some, even detestable when they are dead inside: no Divine Life. They are, quite literally, caught behind enemy lines (imprisoned in their worldliness) with no way out unless some campaign of search and rescue is launched. Does our love, care, and concerns for them extend to their eternal salvation? Remember the Warrior Ethos: “I will never leave a fallen comrade!”
St. John Vianney understood this critical need to call out to God in prayer on behalf of those caught in the clutches of the enemy and unable to save themselves:
“I can’t stop praying for poor sinners who are on the road to hell. If they come to die in that state, they will be lost for all eternity. What a pity! We have to pray for sinners! Praying for sinners is the most beautiful and useful of prayers because the just are on the way to heaven, the souls of purgatory are sure to enter there, but the poor sinners will be lost forever. All devotions are good but there is no better one than such prayer for sinners.” (Excerpt from Church Militant Field Manual).
PRAYERS FOR TRADITIONAL 54 DAY NOVENA
THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES OF THE HOLY ROSARY
Prayer before the recitation: Sign of the cross. Hail Mary.
In petition (first 27 days): Hail, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, my Mother Mary, hail! At thy feet I humbly kneel to offer thee a Crown of Roses, snow white buds to remind thee of thy joys, each bud recalling to thee a holy mystery, each 10 bound together with my petition for a particular grace. O Holy Queen, dispenser of God’s graces, and Mother of all who invoke thee, thou canst not look upon my gift and fail to see its binding. As thou receivest my gift, so wilt thou receive my petition; from thy bounty thou wilt give me the favor I so earnestly and trustingly seek. I despair of nothing that I ask of thee. Show thyself my Mother!
In thanksgiving (last 27 days): Hail, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, my Mother Mary, hail! At thy feet I gratefully kneel to offer thee a Crown of Roses snow white buds to remind thee of thy joys, each bud recalling to thee a holy mystery; each 10 bound together with my petition for a particular grace. O Holy Queen, Dispenser of God’s graces. and Mother of all who invoke thee! thou canst not look upon my gift and fail to see its binding. As thou receivest my gift, so wilt thou receive my thanksgiving; from thy bounty thou hast given me the favor I so earnestly and trustingly sought. I despaired not of what I asked of thee, and thou hast truly shown thyself my Mother.
Say: The Apostles’ Creed, Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be.
The Annunciation – Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be.
Concluding Prayer: I bind these snow-white buds with a petition for the virtue of humility and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet.
The Visitation – Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be.
Concluding Prayer: I bind these snow-white buds with a petition for the virtue of charity and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet.
The Nativity – Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be.
Concluding Prayer: I bind these snow-white buds with a petition for the virtue of detachment from the world and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet.
The Presentation – Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be.
Concluding Prayer: I bind these snow-white buds with a petition for the virtue of purity and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet.
Finding the Child Jesus in the Temple – Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be.
Concluding Prayer: I bind these snow-white buds with a petition for the virtue of obedience to the will of God and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet.
Say: The Hail Holy Queen.
Spiritual Communion: My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
In petition (first 27 days): Sweet Mother Mary, I offer thee this spiritual communion to bind my bouquets in a wreath to place upon thy brow. O my Mother! Look with favor upon my gift, and in thy love obtain for me (specify request, see below). Hail Mary …
In thanksgiving (last 27 days): Sweet Mother Mary, I offer thee this Spiritual Communion to bind my bouquets in a wreath to place upon thy brow in thanksgiving for (specify request, see below) which thou in thy love hast obtained for me. Hail, Mary, etc.
PETITION: May our Church and our country find hope as we unite at the foot of the cross. (Please add your own petitions to this powerful novena)
All of the daily Novena Prayers and Reflections are found in this book: 54 Day Basic Training in Holiness
All of the daily Novena Prayers and Reflections are also posted at usgraceforce.com
You can join the United State Grace Force Facebook group HERE, to receive the reflections each day.
Spanish language Novena prayers and reflections are available at https://rosarycoasttocoast.
Those who would like to pray with others via The Telephone Rosary, call 1-951-799-9866 daily at 6 pm Eastern.
Enroll in the worldwide Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary! Click here: https://championshrine.
GET YOUR GROUP TOGETHER AND JOIN US WHEREVER YOU ARE ON OCTOBER 7!!
Sign your group up at https://rosarycoasttocoast.
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FEAST
OF SAINT MICHAEL-SUKKOTH begins at sundown
“We
are not AFRAID of the Israelites,”
they said, “for they are a powerless people, incapable of a strong defense.
Such is the mindset of bullies. I
remember as a child I got my first lesson in why one should avoid such
mentalities. As a child we had a rough and tumbling playground and mayhem
during recess was the order of the day. As a child during recess, one needed to
run and make up for all the mind-numbing instructions of our dedicated
teachers. One such game was called North and South. In this game we would line
up and charge each other and attack. The North I joined, and we all lined up
for the melee. Almost as one all at once we started running and they started
running as we came closer, I got a little frightened but then I sighted a
little guy that looked pretty powerless and came on strong. As I was about to
knock him down and trample or tackle him when suddenly he grabbed my wrist and
using my weight and energy swung me around three times and then let me fly. I
landed hard and crumpled in the dust. Lesson learned don’t be a bully or
underestimate the powerless.
Today is world refugee day and
today just like in Judith’s time the Israelites refused to be a refugee and
stood their ground; just like the little guy that used my own energy and power
to defeat me even though I was twice his size. Israel was different for they
knew that if they were faithful to God; ultimately, they would win the war.
Bullying[1]
If you’re being bullied
Speak
up – Tell someone what’s happening –
your parents, an older brother or sister, your grand- parents, teacher, school
chaplain, a friend.
Chin
up – Don’t let the bullies see you’re
upset. But be careful about taking them on, as you could be injured (or accused
of being a bully yourself)
Join
up – Don’t believe that everyone is
against you. It’s not true. Persevere with making your own friends.
If you know someone who’s being bullied
Speak
up – Don’t let someone suffer because
you won’t do the right thing. If you can’t challenge the bully, tell a
responsible adult.
Link
up – Talk to your friends about what’s
going on. Agree that you won’t stand idly by. Unity is strength.
Meet
up – Show your support for the person
being bullied. Include her/him in your activities. Give them a chance.
Feast of Saint Michael[2]
SAINT MICHAEL is the prince of the heavenly armies,
who first contended against the proud Lucifer. The holy Church honors him as a
particular defender, and the faithful call upon him in all dangers of soul and
body, but they particularly implore his intercession at the hour of death, in
order that, after having, according to his example, courageously fought against
Satan, they may receive the crown of victory, and that their souls may by him
be brought before the throne of God. Let us also venerate him, and, full of
confidence, cry out with the holy Church, “Holy archangel Michael, protect us
in battle that we may not perish in the tremendous judgment.”
Prayer.
O God, Who with wonderful order dost direct the
ministry of angels and of men, mercifully grant that our life on earth may be protected
by those who ever minister before Thee in heaven. Amen.
EPISTLE.
Apocalypse i. 1-5.
In those days God
made known the things which must shortly come to pass and signified, sending by
His angel to His servant John, who hath given testimony to the word of God, and
the testimony of Jesus Christ, what things soever He hath seen. Blessed is he
that readeth and heareth the words of this prophecy: and keepeth those things
which are written in it. For the time is at hand. John to the seven churches
which are in Asia : Grace be unto you and peace from Him that is, and that was,
and that is to come, and from the seven spirits which are before His throne,
and from Jesus Christ, Who is the faithful witness, the first-begotten of the
dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth, Who hath loved us, and washed
us from our sins, in His own blood. This epistle is read to-day because St.
Michael so bravely contended against the sedition of Satan, and, after gaining
the victory, drove him and his adherents from heaven.
GOSPEL. Matt,
xviii. 1-10.
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying: Who
thinkest Thou is the greater in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus calling unto
Him a little child, set him in the midst of them, and said: Amen I say to you,
unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter
into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this
little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven. And he that shall
receive one such little child in My name receiveth Me. But he that shall
scandalize one of these little ones that believe in Me, it were better for him
that a millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be drowned
in the depth of the sea. Wo to the world because of scandals. For it must needs
be that scandals come: but nevertheless, wo to that man by whom the scandal
cometh. And if thy hand or thy foot scandalize thee, cut it off, and cast it
from thee. It is better for thee to go into life maimed or lame, than having
two hands or two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thy eye
scandalize thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee. It is better for thee
having one eye to enter into life, than having two eyes to be cast into hell
fire. See that you despise not one of these little ones: for I say to you, that
their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father Who is in heaven.
Prayer
to St. Michael the Archangel
Great prince of heaven, St.
Michael, to thy protection I commend my soul and body, and, by the glory which
thou possesses in heaven, I beseech thee that thou wouldst ever assist me,
particularly at the close of my life; that thou wouldst strengthen my
faint-heartedness, and obtain for me from God the remission of my sins, and an
entire submission to His holy will, that my soul may depart full of comfort.
Then receive it, and bring it, under the guidance of the holy angels, before
the face of God, to enjoy the contemplation of Him for all eternity. Amen.
St. Michael, Champion of the Church[3]
The Church of God has always considered Saint Michael as its special protector. The archangel himself has acknowledged this to Constantine after the completion of a church in his honor saying,
“I am Michael, the chief of the angelic legions of the Lord of hosts, the protector of the Christian religion, who whilst thou wast battling against godless tyrants, placed the weapons in thy hands.”
Assuredly,
St. Michael will not fail to come to the aid of our Holy Church. His assistance
shall be forth coming in these troubled times when legions of evil are visible
throughout the world exciting the minds of men. We behold their activities in
the events of the media and the world-wide propaganda against morality and
religion everywhere. Yet, despite this we are beneath his mighty leadership and
with the aid of his own unvanquishable legions we shall not fail.
Michaelmas
(September 29th) [4]
The
anniversary of the dedication of St. Michael the Archangel's basilica outside
of Rome by Pope Boniface II in 530 A.D. affords the Church the opportunity to
honor one of its most significant
saints. Tradition holds that Michael is the heavenly spirit who cast
Satan and his minions into Hell after their revolt from God. As the
"Governor of Heaven" (Praepositus Paradisi), he is ranked only
below the Mother of God in the Confiteor. The Roman church also
identifies him as the angel whom St. John saw in heaven standing near the altar
of God and offering the prayers of the saints like an odor of sweetness (see
the offertory blessing of incense at a High Mass). He is also singled out in
the Requiem Mass as the banner-bearer who leads the departed to purgatory and
heaven (see offertory prayers). Finally, Michael's victory over the devil's
army renders him not only the patron saint of souls, but of Christian soldiers.
All of this leads to the conclusion that Michael is one of our most potent
allies and helps us see why the Roman rite has traditionally venerated him with
such affection and respect.
Consequently,
Michaelmas (pronounced
"mikk-el-mes") was one of the great public holidays and religious
feasts of early and medieval Europe. Saint
Michael's parades, Michael's fairs, Michael's Plays, etc. would
in many places constitute the climax of autumn harvest celebrations. Michaelmas
also coincided with the "quarter
days" in Northern Europe, one of the four times in the year
when free men would sit in court, make laws, and pay rents.
Things to do:[5]
·
This is a good feast to learn more about the
angels. Children especially are fascinated by these celestial beings. The best
place to start is the Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 328-336 to see the teachings of the Church on angels. John Paul II also did
a Catechesis on the Angels during his General Audiences from July 9 to
August 20, 1986.
·
Find the passages in the Bible about angels, in
particular the passages about Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.
·
Read the section on angels in the Directory on Popular Piety
and Liturgy. The document
examines the doctrine and devotions of the angels. Devotion to angels is good,
but also can have deviations.
Devotion to the Holy Angels gives rise to a
certain form of the Christian life which is characterized by:
·
devout gratitude to God for having placed these
heavenly spirits of great sanctity and dignity at the service of man.
·
an attitude of devotion deriving from the
knowledge of living constantly in the presence of the Holy Angels of God —
serenity and confidence in facing difficult situations, since the Lord guides
and protects the faithful in the way of justice through the ministry of His
Holy Angels. Among the prayers to the Guardian Angels the Angele Dei is
especially popular, and is often recited by families at morning and evening
prayers, or at the recitation of the Angelus.
217.
Popular devotion to the Holy Angels, which is legitimate and good, can,
however, also give rise to possible deviations:
·
when, as sometimes can happen, the faithful are
taken by the idea that the world is subject to demiurgical struggles, or an
incessant battle between good and evil spirits, or Angels and daemons, in which
man is left at the mercy of superior forces and over which he is helpless; such
cosmologies bear little relation to the true Gospel vision of the struggle to
overcome the devil, which requires moral commitment, a fundamental option for
the Gospel, humility and prayer;
·
when the daily events of life, which have
nothing or little to do with our progressive maturing on the journey towards
Christ are read schematically or simplistically, indeed childishly, so as to
ascribe all setbacks to the devil and all success to the Guardian Angels. The
practice of assigning names to the Holy Angels should be discouraged, except in
the cases of Gabriel, Raphael and Michael whose names are contained in Holy
Scripture.
·
Also read All About the Angels.
·
Memorize the prayer to St. Michael the
Archangel. Although no longer formally recited after Mass, our Holy Father John
Paul II has encouraged us to recite this prayer daily. Read about this prayer. Here is the Regina Caeli message from
April 24, 1994 during which the
pope encouraged this prayer.
·
In honor of St. Gabriel, Learn the Angelus and recite it daily. Traditionally, the prayer
is prayed at the 6:00 and 12:00 hours (am and pm). There is a partial
indulgence attached to those who pray this prayer.
·
Read the Book of Tobit for the story of St. Raphael helping Tobit and Tobias.
·
Make some recipes related to Michaelmas. Of
special mention is the St. Michael Bannock from Scotland, roast goose and
stuffing from Britain, waffles from France, and roast duck from Germany or
France, gnocchi from Italy. Blackberries, apples and carrots also play a large
role on this feast in various countries. Other ideas: make an angel food cake,
devil's food cake or angel hair pasta. Decorate with white, symbolizing the
angels, or use other symbolic colors (see above). Non-dessert items: deviled
eggs, deviled meats, etc.
·
Try to find the Michaelmas daisy, a purple
aster, to use for decoration. It also comes in other colors, including white,
but purple is the most popular. It usually blooms in late summer until October.
The official name is Aster novi-belgii, but is also known as New York
aster. If you find plants or seeds to plan for next year's garden. This site
has photos and gardening information for the Michaelmas daisy.
·
Folklore in the British Isles suggests that
Michaelmas day is the last day that blackberries can be picked. It is said that
when St. Michael expelled Lucifer, the devil, from heaven, he fell from the
skies and landed in a prickly blackberry bush. Satan cursed the fruit, scorched
them with his fiery breath, and stamped and spat on them, so that they would be
unfit for eating. A traditional Irish proverb says:
On Michaelmas Day the devil puts his foot on the blackberries.
If
you have access to blackberries, make this the last picking and eating. Perhaps
make a blackberry pie? See Michaelmas Pie
for a great recipe.
The Catholic
Tradition of Harvest Feasts of Thanksgiving[6]
- Feast
of St. Michael or Michaelmas, September 29—In England this was a “quarter
day” and huge harvest feast, with a roasted
goose as the centerpiece.
Feast of the
day: Vodka
Sauce Chicken Parmesan (Couldn’t
find a goose for a tradition St. Michael’s day feast-Vodka sauce is made with
Grey Goose Vodka)
Sukkot (Camping with Christ)[7]begins at sunset
Sukkot (Hebrew: סוכות),
meaning Tabernacles, is the autumnal
'foot festival' in which the Jews are commanded to leave their permanent houses
and to dwell in booths for seven days. The idea behind this is to remember that
the Israelites lived in booths in the Wilderness for forty years. Additionally,
when the Temple stood in Jerusalem, this was a pilgrimage holiday to celebrate
the harvest. It is most likely our
Lord did this every year as He was a devout Jew.
Tabernacles are typically built out of wood, sheets and have a roof of a
natural product, such as leaves, palm branches, through which the stars can be
seen at night. The Succah must be built of certain dimensions (not too low or
too high) and should have three or four walls. On Succot, it is customary
for Jewish men buy a set of the four kinds/species comprising a lulav (a palm
branch), an etrog (a citron), hadassim (myrtle) and aravot (willows).
Sukkot Facts & Quotes
·
Sukkot is also a harvest festival and is
sometimes referred to as Chag Ha-Asif, the Festival of Ingathering. No
work is permitted on the first day, but some work is allowed on the
intermediate days which are known as Chol Hamoed.
·
Each day of Succot is associated with Ushpezin
(visitors), one of seven Succah visitors. Each day has its visitor,
starting with Abraham. The other visitors are Isaac, Jacob, Joseph,
Moses, Aaron, David and Solomon.
Hebrews
11:8 “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out
to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not
knowing where he was going.”
·
The book of Ecclesiastes is typically read in
Synagogues. This book relates to the futility of man under the sun but
concludes optimistically with the notion that we should just do our thing and
serve God.
·
There is a special Priest's (Cohen's) blessing
performed at the Western Wall during Succot. The Western Wall is the last
surviving wall of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the side of the Temple Mount.
Thousands of Priests, who are believed to be descendants of the original
priests, assemble at the Western Wall and perform blessings.
·
In the days of Nehemiah, an original Bible was
found with the passages relating to the building of a Succah.
a. All
the people came together as one in the square before the Water Gate. They told
Ezra the teacher of the Law to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which
the Lord had commanded for Israel (Nehemiah 8:1).
b. They found written in the Law, which the Lord had commanded through Moses, that the Israelites were to live in temporary shelters during the festival of the seventh month (Nehemiah 8:14).
Sukkot Top Events and Things to Do
·
Purchase or make your own Sukkah. They are
typically designed to be assembled and disassembled quickly - in less than two
hours by two people.
·
One can buy the four kinds (of material used to
build Sukkot as per the Torah) or order them from Israel. The four kinds
include palm branches, an Etrog (citron), three willow branches and two myrtle
branches. The palm, myrtle and willow are bound together in a palm holder.
·
See the movie Ushpezim with English
subtitles. It which relates to the four kinds and a couple's efforts to
buy a most beautiful four species set, despite their poor economic situation.
Ushpizin can
be viewed on YouTube.
·
Read the book of Ecclesiastes or watch a lecture
about it. It was written by King Solomon. It relates to the
futility of life, apart from basic belief and being righteous.
·
Attend a local Succot fair.
A visit from Abraham[8]
Genesis 22:9-10 “When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son.”
Just as the knife was
being hurled downward, the angel of the Lord said “Do not lay your hand on the
boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have
not withheld your son, your only son, from me” (Gen 22:12), and “because you
have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely
bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and
as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate
of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be
blessed, because you have obeyed my voice” (Gen 22:16-18).
Catechism of the Catholic Church
·
60 The people descended from Abraham
would be the trustee of the promise made to the patriarchs, the chosen people,
called to prepare for that day when God would gather all his children into the
unity of the Church. They would be the root on to which the Gentiles would be
grafted, once they came to believe.
·
72 God chose Abraham and made a covenant
with him and his descendants. By the covenant God formed his people and
revealed his law to them through Moses. Through the prophets, he prepared them
to accept the salvation destined for all humanity.
·
146 Abraham thus fulfils the definition
of faith in Hebrews 11:1: "Faith is the assurance of things hoped
for, the conviction of things not seen": "Abraham believed God, and
it was reckoned to him as righteousness." Because he was "strong in his
faith", Abraham became the "father of all who believe".
·
165 It is then we must turn to the
witnesses of faith: to Abraham, who "in hope... believed against
hope"; to the Virgin
Mary, who, in "her pilgrimage of faith", walked into the "night
of faith" in sharing the darkness of her son's suffering and death; and to
so many others: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely,
and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to
Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith."
·
706 Against all human hope, God promises
descendants to Abraham, as the fruit of faith and of the power of the Holy
Spirit. In Abraham's progeny all the nations of the earth will be blessed. This
progeny will be Christ himself, in whom the outpouring of the Holy Spirit will
"gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad." God
commits himself by his own solemn oath to giving his beloved Son and "the
promised Holy Spirit . . . [who is] the guarantee of our inheritance until we
acquire possession of it."
Catechism of the Catholic
Church
PART TWO: THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN
MYSTERY
SECTION TWO-THE SEVEN
SACRAMENTS OF THE CHURCH
CHAPTER ONE-THE SACRAMENTS OF CHRISTIAN
INITIATION
III. The Effects of Confirmation
1302 It is evident from its
celebration that the effect of the sacrament of Confirmation is the full
outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of
Pentecost.
1303 From this fact,
Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace:
- it roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which makes us cry,
"Abba! Father!";
- it unites us more firmly to Christ;
- it increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us;
- it renders our bond with the Church more perfect;
- it gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the
faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of
Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross:
Recall then
that you have received the spiritual seal, the spirit of wisdom and
understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of
knowledge and reverence, the spirit of holy fear in God's presence. Guard what
you have received. God the Father has marked you with his sign; Christ the Lord
has confirmed you and has placed his pledge, the Spirit, in your hearts.
1304 Like Baptism which it
completes, Confirmation is given only once, for it too imprints on the soul an
indelible spiritual mark, the "character," which is the sign that
Jesus Christ has marked a Christian with the seal of his Spirit by clothing him
with power from on high so that he may be his witness.
1305 This "character"
perfects the common priesthood of the faithful, received in Baptism, and
"the confirmed person receives the power to profess faith in Christ
publicly and as it were officially (quasi ex officio)."
Fitness Friday
Due to today is the Feast of St. Michael whose name means
“Who is like God?” which was a rhetorical question to the Angels of God. St.
Michael’s humility was his greatest weapon in binding the devil’s evil works.
We too will express our humility by doing a workout devised by “muscle and
fitness” using only body weight exercises called “Body Like A
God: A Complete Bodyweight Muscle Building Plan”.
No equipment or gym? No problem. Build muscle at home with
this classic bodyweight training system. This is a flexible training system
that focuses on the use of exercise complexes.
Total Bodyweight Blast
Perform each
workout once or twice per week.
Perform each
complex without rest between exercises. After each complex rest for one minute.
·
Try the entire program for at least four weeks
or during times of travel or away from traditional equipment.
·
Complete a dynamic warm-up prior to each
workout.
·
Optional: After each session complete either
steady state or HIIT cardio of your choice.
·
Complexes are signified by numbers without rest.
For example, perform 1A, 2A and 3A back-to-back-to-back without rest. After the
complex is complete rest one minute.
·
Perform each complex for 2-5 rounds depending on
training experience and fitness level.
·
Go for 10-20 reps per move challenging yourself
each workout.
·
AMRAP = As Many Reps As Possible
|
Exercise |
Sets |
Reps |
|
|
Complex 1 |
|||
|
2-5 |
10-20 |
||
|
2-5 |
10-20 |
||
|
Handstand or Jackknife Push Up |
2-5 |
10-20 |
|
|
2-5 |
10-20 |
||
|
Inverted Rack Curl Up |
2-5 |
10-20 |
|
|
Complex 2 |
|||
|
2-5 |
10-20 |
||
|
2-5 |
10-20 |
||
|
2-5 |
10-20 |
||
|
2-5 |
10-20 |
||
|
Short All-Out Sprint Outdoors or on Treadmill |
2-5 |
Distance & Duration varies according to fitness level
& experience. |
|
|
Exercise |
Sets |
Reps |
|
|
Complex 1 |
|||
|
2-5 |
10-20 |
||
|
Wide Grip Inverted
Row |
2-5 |
10-20 |
|
|
Rack Triceps Press or Parallel
Bar Dips |
2-5 |
10-20 |
|
|
Shoulder Width Reverse Grip Pull Up |
2-5 |
10-20 |
|
|
2-5 |
10-20 |
||
|
Complex 2 |
|||
|
Box Jump or Jump
Squat |
2-5 |
10-20 |
|
|
2-5 |
10-20 |
||
|
2-5 |
10-20 |
||
|
2-5 |
10-20 |
||
|
Short All-Out Sprint Outdoors or on Treadmill |
2-5 |
Distance & Duration varies according to fitness level
& experience. |
|
Full Harvest Moon
According to the almanac today is a Full Harvest Moon; take your children/grandchildren for a hay ride or a hike and camping trip and review this year’s harvests
Daily
Devotions
·
Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them
in fasting: Today's Fast: The
Sick, afflicted, and infirmed.
·
Religion
in the Home for Preschool: September
·
Litany of the Most Precious
Blood of Jesus
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Rosary
[2] Goffine’s Devout Instructions,
1896.
[3] St. Michael and the Angels, Tan
Books, 1983.
[5]https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2018-09-29
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