Dear Parishioners,
In the course of the Church's Liturgical year, there are two commemorations of angels, i.e., September 29, the feast day of Michael, Raphael, Gabriel and all Archangels, and October 2, the feast day of the Guardian Angels. Originally, September 29 was the feast of St. Michael the Archangel alone and was sometimes referred to as Michaelmas (the Mass of Michael, as Christmas is the Mass of Christ). When the Liturgical Calendar was revised at the Second Vatican Council, the Archangels Gabriel and Raphael were added to the feast day of Michael.
The Archangel Michael, whose name means, "Who is like God," is first mentioned in the Old Testament Book of Daniel as one of the heavenly hosts and guardians of Israel. He is sometimes regarded as the angel who appeared as a pillar of fire that led the Israelites out of Egypt during their exodus from slavery. He is known from his appearance in the New Testament Book of Revelation. There, he is the captain of the angelic army that defeats the devil, portrayed as a dragon epitomizing the dark forces of chaos. These are the demonic realities that threaten the order of God's universe. Frequently, Michael is depicted arrayed in battle armor with sword in hand and one foot crushing the head of the dragon. He may sometimes be pictured holding a set of scales to symbolize the divine justice that he is commissioned to safeguard or enforce.
The cult surrounding the Archangel Michael was popular in the eastern Roman Empire (modern day Turkey) where he was involved as a healer. Soon, churches dedicated to Michael were constructed and a fifth century apparition of him on Monte Gargano in Italy increased his devotion in Europe. September 29 is the anniversary of the dedication of a basilica to Michael near Rome. The most famous shrine to St. Michael is the Benedictine Abbey of Mont Saint Michel in Normandy, founded in the 10th century, commemorating yet another apparition. Michael is especially venerated throughout England and France, the latter being the country where he appeared to St. Joan of Arc.
St. Michael is the patron saint of soldiers, police officers, horses and cemeteries. In the British Isles, Michaelmas marks the beginning of hunting season. It is also around his feast day that farmers picked apples, brewed cider and plucked goose down for mattresses and pillows. Logically, goose became the traditional entree for a Michaelmas dinner.
With the autumn equinox so near to Michaelmas and with the year's end in sight, Michael came to be associated with the end times, both the universe and of individuals. He is prayed to, therefore, for happy passing and is called upon to escort the souls of the faithful departed over the river of death to the gateway of heaven. This sentiment is captured in the beloved African American spiritual, Michael Row Your Boat Ashore.
We do well pray to St. Michael the Archangel who defends us in battle and safeguards us from whatever forms of wickedness the devil may assume, e.g.., addiction, despair, ingratitude, apathy, etc.. It is also fitting to honor St. Michael by expressing our appreciation to those, who, like him, watch over and protect us -- people like police officers and those who serve in the military. Why not send a "Thank You" card to the Lisle Police Department to assure our civil servants that we have not forgotten them in our thoughts and prayers?
The following sonnet by Malcolm Guite offers us a lovely inspiration for Michaelmas with its rich imagery:
St. Michael and All Angels
Michaelmas gales assail the waning year,
and Michael's scale is true, his blade is bright.
He strips dead leaves, and leaves the living clear
To flourish in the touch and reach of light.
Archangel bring your balance, help me turn
Upon this turning world with you and dance
In the Great Dance. Draw near, help me discern,
and trace the hidden grace in change and chance.
Angels of fire, love's fierce radiance,
Drive through the deep until the steep waves part;
Undo the dragon's sinus influence
And pierce the clotted darkness in my hear.
Unchain the child you find there, break the spell
And overthrow the tyrannies of hell.
(Taken from Sounding the Seasons: Seventy Sonnets for the Christian Year by Malcolm Guite. Norwich: Canterbury Press, 2012)
May the angels bless us,
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Mont Saint Michel Abbey
The most famous shrine to St. Michael is the Benedictine Abbey of Mont Saint Michel in Normandy, founded in the 10th century, commemorating yet another apparition. Before the construction of the first monastic establishment in the 8th century, the island was called Mont Tombe (Latin: tumba). According to legend, the archangel Michael appeared in 708 to Aubert of Avranches, the bishop of Avranches, and instructed him to build a church on the rocky islet. Aubert repeatedly ignored the angel's instruction until Michael burned a hole in the bishop's skull with his finger.
From 966 onwards, the dukes of Normandy, followed by French kings, supported the development of a major Benedictine abbey on the Mont-Saint-Michel. Magnificent monastic buildings were added through medieval times, one vertiginous section being nicknamed The Marvel. The abbey became a renowned centre of learning, attracting some of the greatest minds and manuscript illuminators in Europe. Vast numbers of pilgrims visited, despite warring cross-Channel royals. However, the ramparts at the base of the island were built to keep English forces out.
- See 360 View of Mont Saint Michel - Click Here
- Video Tour - Click Here
Michael Row The Boat Ashore
With the autumn equinox so near to Michaelmas and with the year's end in sight, Michael came to be associated with the end times, both the universe and of individuals. He is prayed to, therefore, for happy passing and is called upon to escort the souls of the faithful departed over the river of death to the gateway of heaven. This sentiment is captured in the beloved African American spiritual, Michael Row Your Boat Ashore.
Below is the most popular recorded version by the Highwaymen and then by Harry Belafonte, and then by The Glory Gospel Singers from New York.