Happy Michaelmas!

Today is the feast day of St. Michael. It was traditionally known as Michaelmas and was a holy day of obligation until the 18th century. The Church has added Saint Gabriel and St Raphael to the feast day - these are the three Archangels named in the bible. Among other things, St. Michael is the patron saint for our family - all of us are named Michael or Michelle (first, middle, or confirmation name). Today is a special feast day for our family. There is a prayer to St. Michael that the entire Church would say after every mass. Those at daily mass at some parishes still say it (they do this at my parish). We say it together at least once per day. I share it with you: St. Michael the Archangel Defend us in battle. Be our protection against the snares and wickedness of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host - by the Divine Power of God - Cast into hell, Satan and all evil spirits who wander this world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.