Michaelmas
(Pronounced "MIH·kuhl·muhs")

September 29 is the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels.  This feast is traditionally known as Michaelmas.  There are many customs associated with the celebration of this day, including foods such as goose, a bread known as St. Michael's bannock, and blackberries.  Because the aster flower is in bloom during this time of year, it became known as the Michaelmas daisy and is commonly used in decorations for the feast.

As St. Michael the Archangel is the patron of our parish, the feast day is elevated to a solemnity, the highest of celebrations in the Church.  We are also given the option to transfer the feastday to Sunday so that the parish can celebrate as a community.  Our annual parish picnic takes place in conjunction with the feast as we gather to ask for the intercession of our patron and to thank God for all that he is doing in our parish community.

The Lent of St. Michael

A forty day preparation for the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel
August 15-September 30

There is a tradition in the Church of observing forty days of preparation for the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel.  It was St. Francis of Assisi who first observed this Lent of St. Michael, a time of prayer and fasting, and his followers quickly adopted the practice.  Very few Catholics today are aware of this tradition, but once again some Franciscans are working to make it better known.  

The Sisters Poor of Jesus Christ, an order of Franciscan sisters who live and work in Kansas City, Kansas, have been offering retreats and lectures to encourage Catholics to observe the Lent of St. Michael.  They were kind enough to record their teachings in both English and Spanish to assist our parish in growing in this devotion.  

Those praying the 40 Day prayer to St. Michael are encouraged to make a small personal sacrifice to God each day.  Say the supplications and prayers each day beginning on August 15 and concluding on September 29. Then, on the 40th day, pray the Consecration. 

To receive daily emails with the 40-day prayer to St. Michael, please fill out your name and email address by August 13, 2023.

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Download the prayers by clicking on the headings below:
Supplications in English / Supplications in Spanish

Prayer in English / Prayer in Spanish

Consecration in English / Consecration in Spanish  -  (Pray this on the 40th day, Sept. 29)