J.M.J.
VENERATION OF ST. MICHAEL
According to the great St. Alphonsus Liguori, veneration of the holy
Angels, and particularly of St. Michael, is an outstanding sign of
predestination. St. Lawrence Justinian says: "Although we must honor all the
Angels, we ought to invoke in a very special manner the glorious St.
Michael, as the Prince of all the heavenly spirits, because of his sublime
dignity, his pre-eminent office 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 acknowledge St. Michael as their
protector, and be devoted to him, for he cannot despise those who pray to
him . . . But he guards them through life, directs them on their way and
conducts them to their eternal home."
Holy Church recognizes the exalted dignity and power of St. Michael by
the veneration which she pays to him. Until the reform of the breviary in
1961, she had tow feasts in his honor; the Apparition of St. Michael on May
8, and the Dedication of St. Michael, or Michaelmas, on September 29. Her
liturgy for the latter feast, which she has retained (in the Traditional
Latin Mass), is replete with the praises of St. Michael as the Prince of the
heavenly hosts and as the protector of the children of God. . .
THE DEDICATION OF ST. MICHAEL
The Feast of Saint Michael, or Michaelmas Day, is September 29. 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 dedicated 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 dedicated the Church Militant as the secure dwelling
place of the faithful upon earth. Finally, as helper and consoler of the
souls in Purgatory, the Church Suffering is place under his care. 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, particularly those who are
appointed as guardians of mankind.
PRAYER TO ST. MICHAEL
O Glorious Prince of the heavenly hosts and victor over rebellious
spirits, be mindful 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 difficulty, and above all do not forsake me in my last struggle with the
powers of evil. Amen.
-------------
The above is taken from the booklet "St. Michael the Archangel" (available
in our Store - http://www.olrl.org/mm5/merchant.mvc).
--
Sincerely in Christ
Our Lady of the Rosary Library
"Pray and work for souls"
http://olrl.org
--
To unsubscribe from this list visit http://www.olrl.org/phplist/lists/?p=unsubscribe&uid=4d726d1c4d1855513f255b110a5756a2
To update your preferences visit http://www.olrl.org/phplist/lists/?p=preferences&uid=4d726d1c4d1855513f255b110a5756a2
To subscribe to this list visit http://www.olrl.org/phplist/lists/?p=subscribe.
For good Catholic books, articles and religious goods visit www.olrl.org.
--
Powered by PHPlist, www.phplist.com --
