rs /SwYwXwYw^wyw^wYwXwYwXwYwYwXwYwYwXwY^ ^mati) $t mkwvs $l)!eld Benedictine Booklets, 15^ each Devotion to the Most Holy Trinity What Is God? Devotion to the Holy Spirit Little Devotions to the Holy Infant Jesus Devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague The Holy Eucharist, Our All God With Us Eucharistic Miracles Eucharistic Heart-talks with Jesus My Daily Visit God Himself, Our Sacrifice My Daily Companion at Mass Communicate Frequently and Devoutly Novena of Holy Communions Communion Devotions in Union with Mary The Way of the Cross From Olivet to Calvary Devotion to the Precious Blood Devotion to the Holy Face True Veneration of the Sacred Heart Enthronement and Night Adoration Six Discourses on the Enthronement Come, Let Us Adore All for Thee, O Heart of Jesus The Guard of Honor and the Holy Hour From Earth to Heaven More Precious than Diamonds Prayer, the Great Means of Grace Indulgenced Prayers and Aspirations (Continued on inside back cover) Benedictine Convent of Perpetual Adoration Clyde, Missouri ’Neath Saint Michael’s Shield “That in all things God may be glorified/ » Holy Rule of St. Benedict. % - , Nihil Obstat »i< Stephanas Schappler, O.S.B. Abbas Coadjutor Im. Conceptionis Imprimatur iji Carolus Hubertus Le Blond Episcopus Sancti Joseph! 4th Edition, June 1954 All rights reserved 143,000 Benedictine Convent of Perpetual Adoration Clyde, Missouri a ST. MICHAEL, THE ARCHANGEL O great St. Michael, take us ’neath thy shield, Thy mighty power in our favor wield! Devotion to St. Michael, Most Suitable for Our Times L ucifer has placed his stamp upon the present age. Open and secret revolt against God and His Church, the spirit of criticism, unbelief and im- morality are rampant. The haughty and insolent boast of Lucifer, ‘'I will be like the Most High!” is re-echoed today throughout the world. Puffed up with their discoveries and their progress in material science, men are loudly pro- claiming their self-sufficiency and denying the existence of a Supreme Being. Govern- ments and secret societies, plotting against God and striving to blot out from homes and schools, from offices and factories, all traces of Christianity, show plainly under whose standard they are assembled. Never before in the history of the world were the rights of God so blasphemously mocked and denied, or the rights of man so arrogantly asserted, as they are today. As a remedy against these frightful evils, we are urged to invoke the aid of that glorious prince of heaven who ren- dered all glory to God by conquering Lucifer and casting him into the abyss. “In our times,” writes Cardinal Mermillod, “when the very foundation of society is 3 shaken in consequence of having denied the rights of God, it is necessary that we revive the veneration of St. Michael and with him raise the victorious cry: Who is like unto God?” Three centuries ago, St. Francis de Sales wrote: “Veneration of St. Michael is the great remedy against despising the rights of God, against insubordination, skepticism and infidelity,” — vices which are perhaps more prevalent now than in any previous period of history. Surely, as St. Paul warned the early Christians, it is now time for us to “rise from sleep,” and to offer vigorous resist- ance to the enemies of our salvation. The weapons which we must use in this conflict are not the arms of civil warfare, but the spiritual weapons of prayer and penance, increased fidelity to the com- mandments of God, and frequent recep- tion of the sacraments. And surely it is meet that we choose for our leader in this conflict the same powerful captain who led the faithful angels to victory. Saint Michael is ever ready to champion the cause of righteousness. He is moreover, a powerful helper in every need. Let us, then, with confident trust, in- voke the aid and the protection of this mighty Archangel whose shield bears the inscription: “>II-CHA-EL— Quis ut Dens — Who is like unto God?” 4 Offices of St. Michael Prince of the Heavenly Hosts HE Holy Fathers are of the opinion that Saint Michael surpasses in glory and power all the other angels in heav- en. Certain it is that he possesses in the highest and most perfect degree all the zeal and the love which is peculiar to the highest seraphim. The quality of archan- gel assigned to Saint Michael does not, according to the words of St. Peter and St. Jude Thaddeus, signify that he belongs to the choir of angels designated by that name but rather that he is an angel of superior rank. The Church also invokes him as the prince of the angels exercising supreme command over all the heavenly hierarchies. This position of honor was merited by St. Michael in the battle which he waged 5 against Lucifer and the rebellious angels before the creation of the world. When God created the angels, those magnificent spirits of light and love which in countless hosts surround His heavenly throne, He bestowed upon them most eminent gifts of nature and of grace. But before admit- ting them to the enjoyment of the unveiled vision of His glory in heaven. He placed them under probation, just as later He subjected mankind to a trial of obedience in the persons of Adam and Eve. The nature of the trial to which the angels were subjected is not known with certainty. Learned and saintly theologians hold, how- ever, that the Heavenly Father revealed to the angels the future incarnation of His own Divine Son, whom they were to adore in His Sacred Humanity. At the same time He revealed to them the surpassing beauty and dignity of Mary, whom, as the Mother of God, they were to venerate as their Queen. Lucifer, one of the most glorious and exalted princes of the heavenly court, dazzled by the splendor of the gifts he had received, rebelled at the thought that human nature should be preferred to his 6 own angelic nature. He could not bring himself to acknowledge that a woman inferior to him in nature should at some future time be made his queen, and that the seed of that woman should be preferred to himself for the honor of the hypostatic union. Desiring for himself the preroga- tives of the God-man, he raised his great battle-cry of rebellion: will be like unto the Most High!” (Isa. 14:14.) Enmeshed in this web of pride, one third of the angels joined Lucifer and took up his rebellious cry. But at the same instant another great archangel, equal to the proud Lucifer in beauty and grace, prostrated himself before the throne of God and manifested his allegiance by an act of profound adoration and loyalty. To the cry of the rebellious angels, he opposed the battle cry of love and loyalty: ^^Mi-cha-el— Who is like unto God?” The fearlessness and fidelity of this mighty champion roused the courage of the faithful angels, and they rallied to his standard, repeating with one accord his noble cry: ‘‘Who is like unto God?” Then followed that tremendous battle between the good and the bad angels which Saint 7 John thus describes in the Apocalypse: “And there was a battle in heaven: Mi- chael and his angels battled with the dragon, and the dragon fought and his angels” (12:7). St. Michael and his faithful followers won a glorious victory. With the swift- ness of lightning, Lucifer and his com- panions were transformed into hideous de- mons and cast out of heaven into the abyss of eternal torment and darkness which God had created for them. In reward for his zeal and fidelity, the holy Archangel Michael was made prince and commander- in-chief of all the heavenly legions. The angels most willingly and gratefully recog- nize his supremacy, for, after God, they owe to him their perseverance in grace and their eternal happiness. With loving sub- mission thev receive from him their various offices. They are attentive to his slightest wish, because they recognize in his com- mands and regulations the will of God, their sovereign Lord and King. Thus does God honor in heaven him whose zeal saved the greater portion of the heavenly court from destruction. Let us look upon this blessed prince of heaven 8 with holy joy. On our part he deserves the name of the ‘‘first Christian,” for he was the first to recognize and adore the Word-made-flesh and was the first to be illumined by His grace. He was also the “first apostle,” because he was the first to announce the Savior to the angelic choirs. He was the “first lieutenant” of Jesus Christ, for he was the first to lead the faithful servants of God to victory against the enemy. Defender of God’s People The holy Archangel Michael is called the guardian angel of the people of God, both in the Old and the New Testament. He is honored as the herald of the general judgment and the guardian of paradise, because it is his office to lead all the elect into the kingdom of eternal glory. The world’s history is replete with in- stances of the most tender solicitude of the Archangel Michael for the children of God during the time of their earthly pil- grimage. From the very beginning of time, he commenced to fulfil the office of defender and leader of God’s chosen peo- ple in the garden of paradise. Saint Am- 9 brose teaches that God commissioned Saint Michael to lead Adam into paradise, to ex- plain to him the purpose of his creation, to guide him and to associate with him in visible form. After the fall of Adam and Eve, it was the same glorious archangel who stood guard at the gate of paradise with flaming sword, “to keep the way of the tree of life” (Gen. 3:24). The Fathers of the Church tell us that even though in many instances the name of St. Michael is not mentioned in Holy Scripture when reference is made to the services of an angel, we may firmly believe that, in his capacity of Divinely-appointed guardian and protector of the chosen peo- ple, it was either St. Michael himself who rendered assistance, or it was his angelic subjects who did so at his command. It was St. Michael who communicated to Noe the revelation concerning the deluge. It was through St. Michael that Abraham was named the father of the chosen people and received the ‘ wonderful promise which Holy Church has immor- talized in her prayers for the dead: “May the holy standard-bearer, Michael^ intro- duce them into that holy light which Thou 10 didst promise of old to Abraham and his descendants.” The angel who appeared to Moses in the burning bush was St. Michael, according to the teaching of St. Gregory Nazianzen. It was this mighty angel who performed all the wonders which took place at the departure of the Israelites from Egypt. Likewise, the angel who routed the army of Sennacherib (4 Kings 19:35), and through whom God published the Ten Commandments to the Israelites on Mount Sinai was the holy Archangel Michael. After the death of Moses, according to an ancient Jewish tradition referred to in the Epistle of St. Jude (1:9), St. Michael contended with Satan over the body of the prophet. In obedience to the command of God, St. Michael concealed the tomb of Moses from the people and also from Satan who wished to disclose it to the Israelites in order to seduce them to the sin of hero-worship. God revealed to St. Michael all the designs of His justice and mercy regarding His chosen people. Of this the prophecies of Daniel and Zacharias bear witness. Finally, it was this great celestial prince 11 who came to the aid of the Israelites and rendered the army of Judas Macchabeus victorious over his enemies. Even to this day the Jews invoke the holy Archangel Michael as the principal defender of the Synagogue and their pro- tector against their enemies. On the Feast of the Atonement they conclude their prayers with this beautiful invocation : ‘‘Michael, prince of mercy, pray for Israel, that it may reign in heaven, in that light which streams forth from the Face of the King who sits upon the throne of mercy.” Protector of the Church As the chosen people of the Old Law were marvelously protected by St. Michael, so we may not doubt that this great prince of heaven protects the Church of God in a still more signal manner. Under the New Law, as under the Old, St. Michael is the “Vicar of the Most High and the Prince of His people,” ever prepared to render assistance. With one accord the holy Fathers of the Church teach that St, Michael is the guardian angel and the pro- tector of the Catholic Church, Time and again, in centuries past, St. 12 Michael came to the rescue when dreadful wars and persecutions threatened to de- stroy Christianity. He it was who, at the command of Mary, Queen of Angels, came to the assistance of Constantine the Great in the fourth century, and helped his forces to gain a brilliant victory over the pagan Emperor Maxentius. The Arch- angel himself revealed his identity in this instance. Appearing to Constantine after the completion of a beautiful church which the latter had erected to his honor in gratitude, he said: ^7 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 weap- ons in thy hands.” This noble edifice, generally known as the Michaelion, be- came the scene of many miracles wrought through the power of the great Archangel. At later periods, too, St. Michael proved himself a powerful protector against the invasions of barbarian hordes. The Greek Emperor Justinian I erected six churches in his honor, in grateful rec- ognition of the assistance which he had rendered. In the fifteenth century when 13 the Turks were about to conquer all Eu- rope, St. Michael, at the command of the Blessed Virgin, again championed the cause of Christianity and gained a glorious victory over the infidels. Saint Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orleans, who in the fif- teenth century saved France, ascribed her vocation and her victories to St. Michael. Three times he appeared to her in heavenly beauty and informed her that she was called to deliver her country. Thus St. Michael has proved himself a valiant warior for the honor of God both in heaven and on earth. By his power he wages incessant war with the archfiend, Satan, in the great kingdom of God upon earth, the Church. Glowing zeal for the honor of God is his distinctive trait and virtue. The Venerable Anna Catherine Em- merich was frequently granted visions of the past and future combats of the Church. Repeatedly she saw Saint Michael, in the form of a warrior, standing with blood- stained sword above the Church, replacing the sword in his scabbard as a sign of victory. She was also shown how, in the present-day struggles of the Church, Saint 14 Michael would bring about a most glorious victory. This thought should be consoling to all the faithful Christians who view with alarm the many shafts of persecution now being directed against the Church. Pope Leo XIII, realizing by Divine en- lightenment the present and future strug- gles of the Church against the powers of hell, felt convinced that through the inter- vention of St. Michael, hell would be con- quered, and the Church restored to peace and liberty. He, therefore, composed a prayer in honor of the warrior-archangel, and ordered it to be recited daily after low Mass in all the churches throughout the Christian world.* The circumstance which led to this course of action on the part of the saintly Pontiff is said to be as follows: One day, after having celebrated the holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the aged Pontiff was in con- ference with the Cardinals. Suddenly he sank to the floor in a deep swoon. Physi- cians who hastened to his side feared that he had already expired, for they could find no trace of his pulse. However, after a short interval the Holy Father rallied, «Tliis prayer is given on page 51. 15 i , and coming to himself exclaimed with great emotion: ‘‘Oh, what a horrible pic- ture I was permitted to see!” — He had been shown in spirit the tremendous activi- ties of the evil spirits and their ravings against the Church. But in the midst of this vision of horror he had beheld the consoling visions of the glorious Archangel Michael, who had appeared and cast Satan and his legions back into the abyss of hell. Soon afterward he composed the well- known prayer: “Saint Michael, the Arch- angel, defend us in the battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. . .” Daily this powerful peti- tion rises heavenward from thousands of Catholic sanctuaries throughout the world, and we may believe that in answer to this fervent plea the great Archangel hastens to the aid of the Bride of Christ, the Church, in her many afflictions. The Church has special need of the powerful protection of St, Michael in our perilous times. On all sides she is being assailed by strong and bitter enemies. In one country after another we behold the sad spectacle of religious persecution ris- ing to an ever higher pitch of hatred and 16 insolence. Surely the terrible crimes which have been committed in recent times and are still being committed against the Church, both in her sanctuaries and her members, are instigated by the devil, for no human mind could be base enough to conceive and put into execution such hid- eous outrages. The Church looks to Saint Michael for aid that she may triumph over her persecutors, and that the gates of hell may not prevail against her. , < Assuredly, St, Michael will not fail to come to the aid of Holy Church in our days, as he did in days of old, if we fer- vently and confidently implore him to do so. We know, indeed, that the gates of hell shall never prevail against the Church, for Christ our Lord has promised to be with her till the end of time. Nevertheless, God wills that we do our part in defending her cause. He might have cast the rebel angels out of heaven by a single act of His will, but He chose rather to send against them His armies of loyal spirits, under the leadership of the great St. Michael. So, too, in the present critical times. He could confound the enemies of the Church by merely willing to do so. But He wills 17 rather, that we should co-operate in her defense, under the leadership of the great captain of the heavenly hosts. Let us, therefore, most earnestly implore Saint Michael to put an end to the persecutions which are assailing the Church in so many lands, and to the activities of the evil spirit which are ruining so many souls. Helper and Defender of Christians Besides the protection which the glo- rious Archangel Michael extends to the Church at large, he is also the protector of every individual Christian and of all Chris- tian nations. How fortunate we are in having so powerful an advocate! Surely, never so urgently as at the present time have Catholics needed St. Michael’s help to remain steadfast in their Faith. Unbelief has carried its insolence to the very limit, and boldly proclaims that there is no God. Blasphemy against Jesus Christ, against His mysteries and His doctrines has in- creased in the most frightful manner. It is our duty to be faithful Catholics, to con- fess our Faith openly and energetically, and to preserve a glowing, invincible love for Jesus Christ. 18 St. Michael is the conqueror of Satan. Under his leadership, let us unfurl every- where the banner of the Catholic Faith and have no fear of godlessness. In a thousand secret ways, Satan plots and wars against God and tries to usurp His throne. Let us keep the kingdom of our heart firmly closed against him, that he may never reign therein by sin. When the spirit of darkness incites us to thoughts of pride or rebellion, let us answer him with St. Michael: ‘Who is like unto God? Who am I, a creature of dust and ashes, the fleeting phantom of an hour, in comparison with God?” When Satan tries to seduce us to commit this or that sin; when in al- luring pictures he presents to us the pleas- ures and attractions of this world ; when he promises us honors, riches, happiness, on condition that we break a commandment, omit a good work, or commit an evil deed; when he tempts us to give way to murmur- ing and impatience, and to find fault with the inscrutable ways of Divine Providence ; when the siren song of sinful pleasures sounds in our ears, filling our hearts with unholy longings and crowding our fancy with forbidden sights and scenes; — let 19 US ever oppose the tempter with the same energetic words: ^^Who is like unto God? What can I do without God’s help? How poor and repulsive are all earthly pleas- ures in comparison with the joy and peace of a pure heart which loves God and will one day possess Him forever? What can fill and satisfy my heart save God alone? God is my only treasure, my highest Good.” If, in times of temptation, we entertain thoughts such as these and invoke the aid of our heavenly leader, St. Michael will unfailingly come to our assistance and put the enemy to flight. But if we wish to enjoy St. Michael’s protection, we must also imitate his virtues, particularly his humility and his zeal for God’s glory. “Our whole life,” says St. Bernard, “is a continuous temptation,” a truth which he drew from Holy Scripture. We have to battle against foes who are mighty in power, cruel in their vengefulness, fearful in their craftiness, countless in their num- ber, tireless in their persecutions. They are spirits who deal blows without being seen, who intrude everywhere, who see everything that we do, while remaining invisible to us. And they battle with weak 20 persons who wander in darkness, on slip- pery paths, surrounded by frightful abyss- es, wherein one falls into unspeakable misery. With furious rage these enemies have sworn to avenge themselves upon us, because God has called us to occupy the thrones left vacant by them. They are bent upon making us eternally miserable like themselves. And, what is more, they are not merely intent upon depriving us of temporal life, which sooner or later we must lose anyway, nor upon robbing us of temporal goods or honors, but they are bent upon the eternal ruin of our souls. They are determined to deprive us of an eternal kingdom and of endless happiness. They seek to plunge our souls into tor- ments such as no mortal man has ever suf- fered or human mind has ever imagined. Oh, that mankind would truly take to heart this frightful truth! The Blessed Virgin is said to have complained bitterly to Mary of Agreda of the indifference of mankind toward these frightful enemies. The number of the demons is incredible. St. Anthony said repeatedly xhaX millions of evil spirits were roaming about the world. The revelations of Venerable Anna 21 Catherine Emmerich say that if the evil spirits in the air had bodies, the sun would be darkened by them, so great is their number. And the influence which these evil spirits wield is tremendous. Could we but see into the realms of the invisible, doubtless we should be astounded to learn how great an influence they exercise over world ^events. Yet we need not despair in the face of the dangers to which we are exposed, for God has given us a defender more power- ful by far than the spirits of darkness. This defender is none other than the holy Archangel Michael, whom we are taught to invoke daily and whom in the prayer of the Church we daily implore to “drive into hell Satan and the other evil spirits who roam about the world seeking the de- struction of souls.” Oh, how great ought to be our devotion to this great Archangel, and how ardent our fervor in reciting this prayer ! Viewing the situation in the spirit of faith, we cannot deny that the great evils which now afflict the world will never be amended without prayer and penance. Yet even Catholics have lost sight of this truth. 22 They pray for the cure of the sick, for suc- cess in their undertakings, and for many other personal intentions, but not enough, or not at all, for the cessation of the pre- vailing moral evils, which mean triumph for Satan and ruin for the Church and for souls. The beautiful prayer given on page 61, also propagated by Pope Leo XIII, de- serves to be taken to the hearts of all Catholics and recited by them frequently and even daily. The prayer is somewhat lengthy, yet the few additional minutes re- quired for its recitation will be excellently well spent. It is peculiarly applicable to our times and presents in complete form the needs of all Christendom. The daily recitation of this prayer would be an ex- cellent form of Catholic Action, and would be a powerful means of bringing about a cessation of the dreadful evils which now threaten to engulf the whole world. The life of St. Oringa records this in- cident of the protection she experienced from St. Michael, the Archangel: One day the saint, in company with several other maidens, started on a pilgrimage in honor of St. Michael to Monte Gargano, in Italy. The journey extended over a number of 23 days. On the way, the little company was joined by a few men who feigned to be pilgrims and excellent guides. The men seemed to be very pious and cunningly kept up an edifying conversation till eve- ning. In reality, however, they were rob- bers, in disguise, who had evil designs re- garding the virgins and led them direct- ly to their den. Suddenly there appeared to the maidens a youth of heavenly beauty who called out in a powerful voice: “Flee from here, your souls are in danger!” For the moment the robbers were para- lyzed with terror. In the meantime, the noble youth guided the maidens to a safe lodging at some distance from the den. Later it was revealed to St. Oringa during prayer that the rescuer of herself and her companions was none other than Saint Michael, the Archangel. Heavenly Physician In the early ages of the Church, devo- tion to St. Michael was very popular. The early Christians invoked him especially for the cure of their sick. Tradition relates that in the earliest ages, St. Michael caused a medicinal spring to spout at Chairotopa 24 near Colossae, and all the sick who bathed there, invoking the Blessed Trinity and St. Michael, were cured. Still more famous are the springs which St. Michael is said to have drawn from the rock at Colossae. The pagans directed a stream against the sanctuary of St. Michael to destroy it, but the Archangel split the rock by lightning 16 give a new bed to the stream and sanc- tified forever the waters which came from the gorge. At Constantinople, likewise, St. Michael was the great heavenly physician.^ The Christians of Egypt placed their life-giving river, the Nile, under the protection of St. Michael. In Rome, also, the role of heavenly physician was assigned to Saint Michael. During the pontificate of St. Gregory the Great, a terrible pestilence depopulated the city of Rome. The Sovereign Pontiff or- dered a penitential procession during which he himself carried a statue of the Blessed Virgin. Eighty persons died in the ranks of the procession itself. Still the Pope continued the prayers. When theyii, arrived at the bridge crossing the Tiber, they heard the song of angels in 25 the skies. Suddenly above the castle of St. Angelo, St. Michael appeared in gigantic size. In his right hand he held a sword which he thrust into the scabbard. At the same moment the pestilence ceased. The famous shrine of Mont-Saint-Michael in Trance The celebrated sanctuary of Mont-Saint- Michael in Normandy, France, has likewise been the scene of many marvelous cures wrought through the intercession of the great Archangel. During the middle ages, this mount was one of Europe’s most re- nowned places of pilgrimage. This sanc- tuary owes its origin to an apparition of St. Michael to St. Aubert, Bishop of Avran- ches, during the eighth century. Appear- ing to the holy Bishop, the Archangel 26 pointed out to him a tall cliff extending out into the sea, telling him that this spot was under his special protection and requesting that a church be built there to his honor. An imposing church was erected on a rocky mount, at the cost of great hardships and difficulties, and here the glorious Arch- angel testified to the truth of the appari- tion by effecting many and wonderful cures. Twelve blind persons had their sight restored and many sick were cured of their diseases. From that time forward the Archangel Michael was highly venerated throughout France. Up to the time of Charles XI, every Frankish king made a pilgrimage to this mount. Here Charlemagne dedicated his mighty kingdom to the Archangel. The church, with its adjoining monastery, has a view far out over the sea, and its many steeples give it the appearance of a for- tress. During the French revolution the monastery was converted into a central prison, and from that time the pilgrimages to the shrine ceased. During the past few decades, however, the veneration of Saint Michael at this sanctuary has been given a new impetus, and large pilgrimages are 27 once more ascending the holy mount to honor God through His glorious Arch- angel. The Abbey is in the charge of Benedictine monks. From the history of Mont-Saint-Michael and Monte Gargano it is evident that pil- grimages are pleasing to the great Arch- angel, and that special graces are obtained by those who honor him in this manner. However, as but few persons are in a posi- tion to make pilgrimages to such celebrated shrines, one may instead visit any church or chapel, or even a picture of the Arch- angel. If such visits are repeated several times, or even nine times by way of a novena, and are united with assistance at Holy Mass and the reception of Holy Com- munion, one may with full confidence ex- pect the aid of the holy Archangel even in the gravest necessities. Advocate of the Dying Not only during life does the glorious Archangel Michael defend and protect souls, but he is especially their advocate and consoler at the hour of death. When the last hour of our earthly career draws near, and we are confronted by that awful 28 moment when our soul must leave the body which it has loved so much, to pass through the narrow portal of death, satanic hosts, like raving lions, will make a last attack upon our souls. But we will not need to fear if during life we have been faithful in venerating St. Michael and in implor- ing his aid for the hour of death. In that hour of supreme need, this invincible Arch- angel, ever ready to assist the faithful soul, will come to our aid with his glori- ous hosts and battle for us. He will cover us with his strong shield and lead us safely through the midst of our enemies. And when at length our soul has been freed from its earthly bonds, he will con- duct us to the judgment seat of Christ, where he will undertake our defense and implore the forgiveness of our sins. And finally, if we have merited to be numbered among the elect, he will take us beneath his glorious banner and conduct us to the blessed home of light where all the angels and elect children of God glory in the eternal praise of their Creator. It is there- fore a very commendable practice daily to invoke St. Michael to lend his assistance at the critical hour of death. Many 29 are the faithful clients of St. Michael who have experienced his help in that hour. Among the writings of St. Alphonsus Liguori we find the following account of St. Michael’s assistance at the hour of death: A certain Polish gentleman had for many years led a wicked life. When the hour of death approached he was filled with terror and tortured by remorse of con- science over his former recklessness, so that he was reduced to a state of utter de- spair. No amount of exhortation or en- couragement had any effect upon him; he refused absolutely every spiritual consola- tion. This unhappy man, however, still had some veneration for St. Michael, and God in His mercy permitted the holy Arch- angel to appear to him in his last struggle. St. Michael encouraged him to repentance and said that he had prayed and obtained for him sufficient time to regulate the af- fairs of his soul. Shortly afterwards, two Dominican priests came to the house, say- ing that a stranger had sent them. The sick man recognized this as the work of St. Michael. He confessed his sins amid tears of repentance, received Holy Com- 30 munion with touching devotion, and breathed forth his soul with every indica- tion of being truly reconciled with God. Consoler of the Poor Souls In her beautiful prayers in the Mass for the Dead, the Church with maternal solicitude places the souls of her departed children in the hands of St. Michael, that he may lead them into the kingdom of everlasting light. If St. Michael is so so- licitous for the welfare of souls during their lifetime and at the hour of death, we may be certain that he will also befriend them during their stay in purgatory, and will hasten to bring them consolation. A Cistercian monk, after his death, ap- peared to one of his friends, a priest, and told him he would be delivered from pur- gatory if during Holy Mass the priest would recommend his soul to St. Michael. The priest complied with this desire, and he, together with others who were present, had the consolation of seeing the soul of his friend taken up to heaven by the Arch- angel. It is related that a certain priest, whilst one day offering the Holy Sacrifice for the 31 dead, recommended some souls in a par- ticular manner when pronouncing the words: “May the Prince of the angels, St. Michael, lead them into the glory of heav- en.” At the same time he saw the glori- ous Archangel descend from heaven into purgatory to deliver those souls and to conduct them into paradise. Let us be encouraged by these exam- ples frequently to invoke the assistance of St. Michael in behalf of our departed loved ones, and in particular to recommend them to his powerful intercession during the celebration of Holy Mass. “The Prince of the heavenly militia,” says St. Anselm, “is all-powerful in purga- tory, and he can assist the poor souls whom the Justice and Sanctity of the Almighty retain in this place of punishment.” “It is incontestably recognized since the founda- tion of Christianity,” St. Robert Bellar- mine declares, “that the souls of the faith- ful departed are delivered from purgatory through the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel.” Let us add to these authori- ties the words of St. Alphonsus Liguori: “St. Michael has received the care of con- soling and helping the souls in purgatory.” 32 Guardian of the Blessed Sacrament and of the Pope When the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity became man, the sublime office of guarding the Savior during the thirty- three years of His earthly life fell to God’s zealous advocate, St. Michael. This is the pious belief of eminent Doctors and theo- logians. And since the Ark of the Cove- nant has been replaced by the Tabernacle, St. Michael guards the Blessed Eucharist and keeps watch over the thousands of tabernacles and altars scattered throughout the world. Even so, he zealously guards and protects Christ’s Vicar upon earth, the reigning Pope. It has been revealed to various saints that the great Archangel is the special guardian of the Blessed Sacrament; that he accompanies It everywhere— in the hands of the priest, upon the throne of exposition, in the tabernacle, when borne 33 in procession, on Its obscure visits to the sick, or wherever the love of the Divine Victim may cause It to be borne. Day and night he keeps faithful vigil before the Tabernacle, in loving adoration. At the beginning of Holy Mass,, his name is mentioned in the confession of faults made by the priest at the foot of the altar, and by the faithful in turn. At the offertory, in Solemn High Mass, the priest implores the blessing of the Al- mighty upon the oblation through the in- tercession of St, Michael. And during the canon of the Mass, after the Consecration, the priest prays God to command that the oblation be borne by the hands of His holy angel to His altar on high. The angel here referred to is doubtless the Archangel Michael. With loving solicitude he watches over all the tiny particles which fall from the consecrated Hosts at the time of Holy Communion, that they may not be lost or desecrated. The liturgy also presents St. Michael to us as the incense-bearer, standing beside the altar as our intercessor and the bearer of the Church’s prayers before the throne of God. “An Angel stood near the altar 34 of the temple, having a golden censer in his hand, and there was given to him much incense; and the smoke of the perfumes ascended before God” (Offertory, Mass of St, Michael), Christ, silent and veiled in the Holy Eucharist, and Christ, visible, and speak- ing to us in the person of the Pope — these are the two objects of Satan’s in- veterate hatred and rage. And these are also the two objects of St. Michael’s great- est devotion and solicitude. As he is the special protector of the Catholic Church, so also is he the special guardian of her head, the Pope. Let us range ourselves under the banner of St. Michael in fighting the battles of God, and repairing by prayer and good works, and by active zeal in the interests of Jesus, the many outrages and sacrileges committed against the Blessed Sacrament and the venerable person of Christ’s Vicar by Satan, through his many satellites. A Miraculous Rescue In York, England, during the reign of the infamous Charles II, the convent of St. Mary’s was one day attacked by a furi- ous mob. Some of the ruffians had al- 35 ready gained entrance to the cloister and amid curses and blasphemies were making their way toward the chapel, in order to outrage the Blessed Sacrament. The superioress of the convent had ob- tained permission, during those perilous times, to remove the Blessed Sacrament from the tabernacle, in case of extreme danger, and to flee with It to safety. As the furious mob pressed into the convent, she hastened with her Sisters to the chapel. With trembling hands and reverential awe, she opened the tabernacle, grasped the ciborium, concealed it beneath her flowing mantle, and turned to flee. But at that moment the persecutors pressed into the corridor leading to the chapel and cut off all means of escape. After a moment’s reflection, the superioress commanded the Sisters to place the statue of St. Michael before the door of the chapel. At the same time she cried out with a loud voice: “Great God, protect Thyself, for we are no longer able to rescue Thee!” The cursing, raging mob had already reached the open door of the chapel, when suddenly, in an inexplicable manner, the men shrank back astounded and stupefied 36 before the statue of St. Michael. In a few moments not a single one of the intruders remained in the convent. In thanksgiving for this miraculous rescue, the statue of St. Michael was erected permanently at the entrance of the chapel, and the feast of the Archangel was cele- brated each year with great solemnity. In addition, daily acts of gratitude were of- fered by the community in his honor. The thought of the day of judgment justly fills every thinking soul with a wholesome fear. God has mercifully con- cealed from us the day and the hour when this dread event shall occur. Our Lord Himself, after describing the terrors of the end of the world, said to His disciples : 37 ‘‘But that day and hour no one knoweth, no, not even the angels of heaven, but the Father only” (Matt. 24:36). Neverthe- less Our Lord foretold certain signs which would precede the consummation of the world and which should serve as a warn- ing to mankind of its approach. These signs are described in the Gospel of St. Matthew as follows : — “For many will come in My Name, say- ing, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. For you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars. Take care that you do not be alarmed, for these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation and king- dom against kingdom; and there will be pestilences and famines and earthquakes in various places. . . And then many will fall away, and will betray one another, and will hate one another. And many false prophets will arise, and will lead many astray. And because iniquity will abound the charity of many will grow cold” (Matt. 24:5-7, 10-12). Although we can see in our own times conditions such as are here described, this does not necessarily imply that the end of 38 the world is near at hand. Nevertheless we ought to take seriously to heart the critical condition of our present age and daily implore the mercy and the help of God. And since God Himself has ap- pointed St. Michael as the special defender and advocate of Christians against the Sa- tanic powers, we ought to place ourselves with all confidence under his protection and daily invoke his aid for the Church and for immortal souls. When the end of the world draws near, St. Michael will wage a final battle against the Antichrist, who by false miracles will endeavor to seduce even the elect of God. St. Michael will then defend the Church against frightful persecutions. This is fore- told in the Book of Daniel (12:1), where the prophet, speaking of the end of the world and the Antichrist, says: ‘‘At that time shall Michael rise up, the great prince, who standeth for the children of Thy peo- ple! and a time shall come such as never was, from the time that nations began even until that time.” After this most valiant Archangel has once more conquered the prince of dark- ness and has cast him into the abyss of 39 hell, he will sound the dread trumpet whose resonance will call the dead to life and summon all men to appear before the Eternal Judge, to receive their final sen- tence of reward or punishment. Happy shall we be if in that awful hour we find an advocate in the glorious Archangel Michael! If we would insure for ourselves the intercession of this powerful champion before the judgment seat of God, let us be faithful in invoking him. Veneration of St. Michael According to St. Alphonsus Liguori, veneration of the holy angels, and particu- larly of St. Michael, is an outstanding sign of predestination. St. Lawrence Justinian says: ‘‘Although we must honor all the angels, we ought in a very special manner to invoke the glorious St. Michael as the prince of all the heavenly spirits because of his sublime dignity, his pre-eminent of- fice, and his invincible power, which he proved in his conflict with Satan, as well as against the combined forces of hell.” Again the same saint says; “Let all ac- 40 knowledge St. Michael as their protector, and be devout to him, for he cannot de- spise those who pray to him. . . but he guards them through life, directs them on their way, and conducts them to their eter- nal home.” Holy Church recognizes the exalted dignity and power of St. Michael by the veneration which she pays to him. She has instituted two feasts in his honor— the Apparition of St. Michael on May 8th, and the Dedication of St. Michael or Michaelmas, on September 29th. Her liturgy for these feasts is replete with the praises of St. Michael as the prince of the heavenly hosts and as the protector of the children of God. Apparition of St. Michael The history of the feast of the Appari- tion of St. Michael is very remarkable. In the year 404, a wealthy man had a large herd of cattle grazing on Monte Gargano in Italy, not far from the once famous city of Siponto. One day a steer went astray from the herd and did not return with the rest of the cattle at the usual time. The owner and his hired men went in search of 41 the steer, and finally found him on the summit of the mountain, lying at the en- trance of a cave. The animal refused to leave the spot, and at length the owner, exasperated by its stubborness, took up his bow and sent an arrow toward it. But lo! the arrow whirled about in the air, and, coming directly toward the archer, wounded him. All were frightened at this strange in- cident, and no one ventured to approach the place. They went directly to the Bishop of Siponto and related the incident to him. The holy prelate, after serious reflection, decided that there must be some mystery connected with it. He therefore prayed fervently that God’s holy will might be revealed. Thereupon St. Michael appeared to him in great splendor and said: ‘T am Michael, the Archangel, who ever stand before the Lord. I am keeping this place under my special protection. By this strange occurrence, I wish to remind men to celebrate the Divine service in my honor and that of all the angels.” After this revelation, the bishop and all the inhabitants of the place went up the mountain in solemn procession, and 42 prayed to the Lord through the interces- sion of St. Michael. When they arrived at the cave, they found an entrance which led down a stairway. No one, however, ventured to enter, and they performed their devotions at the opening. After that many pilgrimages were made to this spot. Meantime, the Neapolitans decided to make war upon the inhabitants of Siponto and Benevento. The latter, at the advice of their bishop, kept a three days’ fast and called upon the assistance of the holy Archangel. During the night preceding the attack, the Archangel again appeared to the bishop and told him that God had listened to their petitions, that in the fourth hour of the day they should cour- ageously meet the enemy, and they would gain the victory. As soon as the attack began, all Monte Gargano was violently shaken. The en- tire summit was enveloped in dark clouds, from which flashes of lightning, like fiery arrows, flew toward the enemy, who, in consequence, took to flight. In joy and gratitude, and amidst devout prayer, the conquerors entered the sacred spot. They found the cavern to be perfectly formed 43 for a church, which could hold about five hundred persons. This cave had evidently been a place of refuge in which the early Christians had secretly kept their services during times of persecution. From a crevice in the rock, which formed the ceiling of this sanctuary, water dripped down upon the rocks. This water was very refreshing and most pleasant to the taste, and possessed healing properties. Many fever patients were instantly cured after drinking of this water; others who were sick found health, and many still obtain health through the intercession of St. Michael. Many other miracles occurred in this place, proving that it was under the special protection of heaven. Beside this subterranean church the bishop erected another, in which the services were conducted by regular canons. This church still exists. The Holy See, having been minutely informed of everything, ordained a special feast to commemorate this event, the feast of the Apparition of St. Michael, celebrat- ed on May 8th. The Mass of this feast is the same as that of the Dedication of St. Michael on September 29th. 44 Dedication of St. Michael The principal feast of St. Michael is that of Michaelmas Day, September 29th. As it is not certain just what church is commemorated as having been dedicated on this day, the pious belief has gained favor that the entire Catholic Church is here indicated. For, by casting the rebel spirits into the abyss, St. Michael dedicat- ed 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 dedi- cated the Church Militant as the secure dwelling place of the faithful upon earth. 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, particu- larly those who are appointed as guardians of mankind. Veneration in Past and Present Times The Irish people have always held the captain of the heavenly host in great ven- eration as is evident from the number of ancient churches dedicated to him, and the 45 frequency with which his name is given to their children. They termed him ^^Adrigh na Aaingeal— the high King of the Angels.” Veneration of St. Michael was at one time practiced so extensively in England that in the year 1114 King Ethelred ordained that the three days im- mediately preceding the feast of St. Mi- chael should be days of strict fast. In the Middle Ages, the knights, especially, con- secrated themselves to St. Michael. The German people, too, have long been fer- vently devoted to this holy Archangel. Devotion to St. Michael is likewise gaining favor in our own country as is evidenced by the growing number of his clients. In union with our veneration of Mary, the Queen of the angels, we ought to prac- tice a fervent devotion to St. Michael and repose firm confidence in his protection. Thus by daily devotion and earnest imita- tion we shall gain the powerful protection of this great Archangel in life and at the hour of death when the last great battle is being fought. And when we have closed our eyes on the scenes of earth, he will lead us safely to the happiness of paradise. 46 Prayers Mass for the Dedication of St. Michael (September 29th) Introit, Ps. 102, Bless the Lord, all ye His angels : you that are mighty in strength, and execute His word, hearken- ing to the voice of His orders. Ps. Bless the Lord, 0 my soul; and let all that is within me bless His holy Name. y. Glory be to the Father. . . Collect. 0 God, who, in a wonderful order, providest ministries both of angels and of men, grant in Thy mercy, that they who ever stand before Thy face to min- ister unto Thee in heaven may protect us during our life upon earth. Through our Lord. . . Lesson from the Apocalypse, c. 1. In those days: God signified the things which must shortly come to pass, and He sent and signified them through His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the 47 word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to whatever he saw. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep the things that are written therein ; for the time is at hand. John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace be to you and peace from Him who is, and who was, and who is coming, and from the seven spirits who are before His throne; and from Jesus Christ who is the faithful witness, the first born of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who has loved us and washed us from our sins in His own Blood. Gradual, Bless the Lord, all you His angels: you that are mighty in strength, that do His will. Bless the Lord, 0 my soul: and all that is within me bless His holy Name. Alleluia, alleluia. Holy Archangel Michael, defend us in the battle : that we may not perish in the dread- ful judgment. Alleluia. Instead of the above, the following is said during Easter time: — Alleluia, alleluia. Holy Archangel Michael, defend us in the battle, that we may not perish in the dreadful judgment. 48 Alleluia. The sea was shaken and the earth trembled when the Archangel Mi- chael came down from heaven. Alleluia. Gospel. Matthew, c. 18. At that time: The disciples came to Jesus saying: “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And Jesus, calling a little child to Him, set it in the midst of them and said: “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like little children, you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whoever, therefore, humbles himself as this little child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven: and whoever receives one such little child for My sake, receives Me. But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it were better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world be- cause of scandals! For it must needs be that scandals come; but woe to the man through whom scandal does come. And if thy hand or thy foot is an occasion of sin to thee, cut it off and cast it from thee. It is better for thee to enter life maimed or lame, than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire. And 49 if thy eye is an occasion of sin to thee, pluck it out and cast it from thee. It is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, than having two eyes, to be cast into the hell of fire. See that you do not de- spise one of these little ones; for I tell you, their angels in heaven always behold the Face of My Father who is in heaven.” Offertory, Apoc, 8, An angel stood near the altar of the temple, having a golden censer in his hand ; and there was given to him much incense; and the smoke of the perfumes ascended before God. Secret, We offer Thee a sacrifice of praise, 0 Lord, and humbly beseech Thee that, through the prayers of Thy holy angels who plead for us. Thou wouldst graciously receive it, and grant that it may avail us unto salvation. Through our Lord. . . Communion, Dan, 3, All ye angels of the Lord, bless the Lord: sing a hymn, and exalt Him above all forever. Postcommunion, Supported by the in- tercession of blessed Michael, Thine Arch- angel, we humbly entreat Thee, 0 Lord, 50 that the service we pay with our lips, we may lay hold of with our minds. Through our Lord. . . Prayer after Low Mass Promulgated by Pope Leo XIII St. 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 host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen. 3 years indulgence. (‘‘Manual of Indulgences,” 447.) For Help against Spiritual Enemies Glorious St. Michael, Prince of the heavenly hosts, who standest always ready to give assistance to the people of God; who didst fight with the dragon, the old serpent, and didst cast him out of heaven, and now valiantly defendest the Church of God, that the gates of hell may never pre- vail against her: I earnestly entreat thee to assist me also, in the painful and dam gerous conflict which I have to sustain against the same formidable foe. Be with me, O mighty Prince! that I may cour- ageously fight and wholly vanquish that proud spirit, whom thou hast, by the Di- vine power, so gloriously overthrown, and 51 whom our powerful King, Jesus Christ, has, in our nature, so completely over- come; to the end that, having triumphed over the enemy of my salvation, I may, with thee and the holy angels, praise the clemency of God, who, having refused mer- cy to the rebellious angels after their fall, has granted repentance and forgiveness to fallen man. Prayer for Perseverance O God, who didst render blessed Mi- chael, Thy Archangel, victorious over the proud Lucifer and all the wicked spirits, we beseech Thee that, combating under the Cross and ever adopting his maxim, '‘Who is like unto God,’' we may be vic- torious over all our enemies, and delivered from all impediments. Do Thou regulate our lives according to Thy will and com- mandments. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. For Assistance at the Hour of Death Glorious Archangel St. Michael, do thou, by thy protection, enable my soul, enriched by grace, to become worthy of being presented by thy hand to Jesus Christ, my Judge, at the hour of my death. O holy Archangel, the devil has many weapons to employ against me at the last hour. These weapons are my sins by which he will then endeavor to throw me 52 into despair. He is also preparing furious assaults of temptations, to cause me then to fall into sin. Thou, who didst conquer him and didst expel him from heaven, con- quer him again, and drive him far away from me at the hour of my death. I be- seech thee to grant this prayer for the love of that God who so much loves thee and whom thou lovest so much. O Mary, Queen of heaven, procure for me the as- sistance of St. Michael at the hour of my death. For the Reign of the Sacred Heart O Mary Immaculate, great Queen of heaven and earth and our gentle advocate, deign, we beseech thee, to intercede for us. Pray God to send St. Michael and the holy angels to ward off all the obstacles contrary to the reign of the Sacred Heart in our souls, our families, our country and in the whole world. And thou, O holy Michael, Prince of the heavenly hosts, from our hearts we beg thee to come to our aid. Defend us against the rage of Satan; and through the Divine power bestowed upon thee by God, after securing victory for the Church here below, guide our souls to our eternal home. Amen. St. Michael, first champion of the King- ship of Christ, pray for us! 300 days indulgence. (“Manual of Indulgences,” 338.) 53 Novena to St. Michael A novena may be made at any time of the year, with any form of approved prayers. Many of the prayers given here may be used for this purpose, adding at the end: Obtain for us aid in all our ne- cessities, particularly (mention favor de- sired) . Indulgence of 5 years on each day. Plenary, once during the novena under the usual conditions. (“Manual of Indulgences,’* 445.) Prayer to St. Michael Glorious Prince of the heavenly hosts and Victor over rebellious spirits, be mind- ful of me who am so weak and sinful and yet so prone to pride and ambition. Lend me, I pray, thy powerful aid in every temptation and diflaculty, and above all do not forsake me in my last struggle with the powers of evil. Amen. The Angelic Trisagion Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts, the heavens and the earth are full of Thy glory. 500 days’ indulgence. Plenary once a month under usual conditions. (2) Holy Archangel Michael, defend us in the battle, that we may not perish in the dreadful judgment. Indulgence of 300 days, every time. Plenary, once a month under the usual conditions. (442) 54 Prayer for Protection of the Church and Her Members O glorious St. Michael, guardian and defender of the , Church of Jesus Christ, come to the assistance of this Churcli, against which the powers of hell are un- chained, guard with special care her au- gust Head, and obtain that for him and for us the hour of triumph may speedily arrive. O glorious Archangel St. Michael, watch over us during life, defend us against the assaults of the demon, assist us especially at the hour of death; obtain for us a favorable judgment, and the hap- piness of beholding God face to face for endless ages. Amen. Angelical Crown or Chaplet y. O God, come to my assistance. I^. 0 Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father, etc. ;!. Before each salutation recite one Our Father and three Hail Marys in honor of the corre- sponding Choir of Angels. First Salutation. At the intercession of St. Michael and the heavenly choir of Seraphim, may it please God to make us worthy to receive into our hearts the fire of His perfect charity. Amen. Second Salutation. At the intercession of St. Michael and the heavenly choir of 55 the Cherubim, may God grant us grace to abandon the ways of sin and follow the path of Christian perfection. Amen. Third Salutation. At the intercession of St. Michael and the heavenly choir of the Thrones, may it please God to infuse into our hearts a true and earnest spirit of humility. Amen. Fourth Salutation. At the intercession of St. Michael and the heavenly choir of the Dominations, may it please God to grant us grace to have dominion over our senses, and to correct our depraved pas- sions. Amen. Fifth Salutation. At the intercession of St. Michael and the heavenly choir of the Powers, may God vouchsafe to keep our souls from the wiles and temptations of the devil. Amen. Sixth Salutation. At the intercession of St. Michael and the choir of the admir- able celestial Virtues, may Our Lord keep us from falling into temptations and de- liver us from evil. Amen. Seventh Salutation. At the intercession of St. Michael and the heavenly choir of the Principalities, may it please God to fill our hearts with the spirit of true and hearty obedience. Amen. Eighth Salutation. At the intercession of St. Michael and the heavenly choir of Archangels, may it please God to grant us 56 the gift of perseverance in the faith and in all good works, that we may thereby be enabled to attain unto the glory of para- dise. Amen. Ninth Salutation. At the intercession of St. Michael and the heavenly choir of holy Angels, may God vouchsafe to grant that they may protect us during life, and after death may lead us into the everlast- ing glory of heaven. Amen. Then say the Our Father four times in conclusion: the first in honor of St. Mi- chael, the second in honor of St. Gabriel, the third in honor of St. Raphael, and the fourth in honor of your Guardian Angel. Then conclude with the following: St. Michael, glorious Prince, chief and champion of the heavenly host, guardian of the souls of men, conqueror of the rebel angels, steward of the palace of God under Jesus Christ, our worthy leader, endowed with superhuman excellence and virtue: vouchsafe to free us from every ill, who with full confidence have recourse to thee; and by thy incomparable protection enable us to make progress every day in the faith- ful service of our God. Amen. y. Pray for us, most blessed Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ. I^. That we may be made worthy of His promises. Let us pray: Almighty and eternal God, who in Thine own marvelous good- 57 ness and pity, didst, for the common sal- vation of men, choose the glorious Arch- angel Michael to be the Prince of Thy Church: make us worthy, we pray Thee, to be delivered by his beneficent protection from all our enemies, that, at the hour of our death; none of them may approach to harm us; rather do Thou vouchsafe unto us that by the same Archangel Michael w'e may be introduced into the presence of Thy most high and Divine Majesty. Through the merits of the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Indulgence of 7 years and 7 quarantines. 100 days, daily, for carrying this chaplet on one’s person or kissing the medal with the rep- resentation of the holy Angels appended to it. Plenary, once a month, under the conditions of confession. Communion, and prayer for the intention of the Pope. Plenary, under the same conditions, on: — The Feast of the Apparition of St. Michael, May 8; The Dedication of St. Michael, Sept- ember 29; St. Gabriel the Archangel, March 18; St. Raphael the Archangel, October 24; Holy Angel Guardians, October 2. To gain these indulgences, special beads must be used, which have been blessed by a priest possessing general faculties for blessing rosaries, medals, etc. Such beads may be ob- tained from: The Mariannhill Fathers, P.O. Box 87, Detroit 31, Michigan. 58 Litany of St, Michael For private use Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, 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 Angels,* St. Michael, St. Michael, filled with the wisdom of God, St. Michael, perfect adorer of the Incar- nate Word, St. Michael, crowned with honor and glory, St. Michael, most powerful Prince of the armies of the Lord, St. Michael, standard-bearer of the Most Holy Trinity, St. Michael, guardian of Paradise, St. Michael, guide and comforter of the people of Israel, St. Michael, splendor and fortress of the Church Militant, St. Michael, honor and joy of the Church Triumphant, St. Michael, light of angels, St. Michael, bulwark of orthodox believers, Pray for us. 59 St. Michael, strength of those who fight under the standard of the Cross,* St. Michael, light and confidence of souls at the hour of death, St. Michael, our most sure aid, St. Michael, our help in all adversities, St. Michael, herald of the everlasting sen- tence, St. Michael, consoler of souls detained in the flames of purgatory, St. Michael, whom the Lord hath charged to receive souls after death, St. Michael, our prince, St. Michael, our advocate. 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. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. y. Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ. I^. That we may be made worthy of His promises. Let us Pray: Sanctify us, we beseech Thee, O Lord Jesus, with Thy holy bless- ing, and grant us, by the intercession of St. Michael, that wisdom which teaches us to lay up treasures in heaven by exchang- *Pray for us. 60 ing the goods of this world for those of eternity, Thou who livest and reignest world without end. Amen. Prayer for the Church and for Souls Recommended for frequent recitation in the present critical times O glorious Archangel, St. Michael, Prince of the heavenly host, be our defense in the terrible warfare which we carry on against principalities and powers, against the rulers of this world of darkness, the spirits of evil. Come to the aid of man, whom God has 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 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 cour- age. 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 61 into eternal perdition the souls destined for the crown of eternal glory. This wicked dragon pours out, as a most im- pure flood, the venom of his malice on men of depraved mind and corrupt heart, the spirit of lying, of impiety, of blas- phemy, and the pestilent breath of im- purity, 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 abomin- able 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 pro- tector and patron; in thee Holy Church glories as her defense against the mali- cious power of hell; to thee has God en- trusted 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 62 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 Sa- tan, do thou again make him captive in the abyss, that he may no longer^seduce the nations. Amen. y. Behold the Cross of the Lord; be scattered, ye hostile powers. 1^. The Lion of the tribe of Juda has conquered, the root of David. J. Let Thy mercies be upon us, O Lord. 1^. As we have hoped in Thee. y. O Lord, hear my prayer, . IV. And let my cry come unto Thee. Let us Pray: O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we call upon Thy holy Name, and as suppliants we 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. .a. yS.a. Grant us with Michael still, O Lord, Against the Prince of Pride to fight; So may a crown be our reward, Before the Lamb’s pure throne of light. 63 CONTENTS Page Devotion to St. Michael, Most Suitable for Our Times 3 Offices of St. Michael 5 Prince of the Heavenly Hosts 5 Defender of God’s People 9 Protector of the Church 12 Helper and Defender of Christians 18 Heavenly Physician 24 Advocate of the Dying 28 Consoler of the Poor Souls 31 Guardian of the Blessed Sacrament and of the Pope 33 A Miraculous Rescue 35 At the End of Time 37 Veneration of St. Michael *40 Apparition of St. Michael 41 Dedication of St. Michael 45 Veneration in Past and Present Times 45 Prayers 47 Mass for the Dedication of St. Michael 47 Prayer after Low Mass 51 For Help against Spiritual Enemies 51 Prayer for Perseverance 52 For Assistance at Hour of Death 52 For the Reign of the Sacred Heart 53 Novena to St. Michael 54 Prayer to St. Michael 54 The Angelic Trisagion 54 Prayer for Protection of the Church and Her Members 55 Angelical Crown or Chaplet 55 Litany of St. Michael 59 Prayer for the Church and for Souls 61 Benedictine Booklets, 15^ each (Continued from inside front cover) Rays of Catholic Truth Do You Know the Church? How to Find the True Church Fountains of Salvation Confession, the Sacrament of Mercy and Peace Confession, Its Fruitful Practice United in Christ (On Matrimony) Through Death to Life (Extreme Unction) Sacramentals K Assist the Souls in Purgatory Devotion to Mary Under Mary’s Mantle ^ To Jesus through Mary Devotion to the Mother of Sorrows I Mary's Seven Sorrows The Rosary, My Treasure Our Lady of Fatima, Queen of the Rosary Heart of Our Mother and Queen The Mysteries of Mary ’Neath St Michael’s Shield Our Heavenly Companions Go to Joseph Devotions to St. Joseph St. Jude Thaddeus, the Great Helper in Great Need & St. Rita, Advocate of the Impossible St. Benedict, the Beloved of God St. Anthony, the Wonder-Worker (Continued on back cover) Benedictine Convent o[ Perpetual Adoration Clyde, Missouri Benedictine Booklets, 15^ each (Continued from inside back cover) St. Nicholas de Flue Good St. Anne In the Footsteps of Saint Scholastica St. Gertrude the Great St. Therese of the Child Jesus St. Philomena, Pray for Us Boy Heroes Why Not Make Your Home Ideal? Magnificence of the Love of God The Goodness of Our Savior Conformity to the Will of God Pathways to Peace Words of Consolation for the Sick 6 Afflicted All Ye Who Mourn Miscellaneous Message of the Sacred Heart, 10^ Pius X, Pope of the Eucharist, 10^ Life of Saint Euphrasia Pelletier, 10^ Gems from the Liturgy for the Feasts of Our Lord (Part I & II), each booklet, 20^ Heart-talks with the Man of Sorrows, 20