Second Period of St. Michael’s Lent: Novena of Preparation

St. Michael (Master of Belmonte, 1450-1500)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As we enter the Second Period of St. Michael’s Lent (the nine-day novena leading to St. Michael’s feast), we are about to significantly increase our prayer and penance. Please take a look at the accompanying “practices” document to see the options that we can embrace during this period. Please embrace these practices wholeheartedly, for they will purify our hearts and draw us nearer to God.

In a certain sense it is the prayer to St. Michael that we will recite daily which gives us our battle cry: “Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle… be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil… cast into hell Satan…” These words remind us that we do not contend with mere flesh and blood, but with the powers of darkness; thus we call on St. Michael to defend us. The archangel’s very name – “ Who is like God?” – is a battle-cry of humility that confounds satanic pride. With St. Michael leading us, we fight on with confidence that, by God’s power, evil will be cast down in the end.

Moved by a frightening vision of demons attacking the Church, Pope Leo XIII composed the St. Michael Prayer, knowing that extraordinary evil demands extraordinary prayer. Today, as the Church and world face grave trials, we raise the same urgent plea. We appeal to the Prince of the heavenly host to “be our defense against the wickedness” of our age, confident in God’s victory.

St. Michael exemplifies loyalty, humility, and courage. Scripture depicts him leading the angels to victory over the dragon, and the Church invokes him as protector of the faithful. Consecrating ourselves to St. Michael at the novena’s end means placing ourselves under his shield—claiming his protection in our fight for holiness.

Let us persevere with charity, dedication, and joy in these next nine days. When we unite in penance and prayer, our sacrifices draw down God’s mercy upon the Church and the world. Let us be encouraged; remember that God loves a cheerful giver. Let us embrace St. Michael’s Lent with a hopeful and generous heart and conclude it with gratitude and joy on Michaelmas.

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle!

In Christ and Our Blessed Lady,

Fr. Withoos (and the St. Michael’s Lent team)

Chaplain, IRIA Foundation