Today begins St. Michael’s Lent, which is based upon St. Francis of Assisi’s reverence for St. Michael the Archangel. St. Francis renounced a life of luxury and high living for a life of poverty, devoting himself to the well-being of animals, the rebuilding of a church, brick by brick, and the founding of the Franciscan Order. St. Francis observed a 2nd Lenten period during the year, beginning on August 15, the Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary, and extending until September 29, which is the feast of the Holy Archangels, St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael.
St. Michael the Archangel, whose name means, “one who is like God,” led the army of angels who cast Satan and the rebellious angels into Hell; at the end of time, he will wield the sword of justice to separate the righteous from the evil.
St. Michael’s Lent is not an official Liturgical Season of either the Catholic or Episcopal Churches, though it is observed within the Franciscan Order. Today it is a resurging tradition among Church laity, who wish to embrace another season of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity.
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 hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
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,
you who shine with excellence
and superhuman virtue deliver us from all evil,
who turn to you with confidence
and enable us by your gracious protection
to serve God more and more faithfully every day.
GFK
Observations From The Fifth Estate 