Celebrating St. Michael and the Feast of Michaelmas

September brings with it the feast of Michaelmas, a time to honor St. Michael the Archangel, one of the most revered figures in Christian tradition. Known as the leader of the Army of God, St. Michael's rise in defeating evil is celebrated across various cultures and religions, making him a powerful symbol of courage and protection. 

St. Michael holds four primary roles: 

1. Leader of the Army of God: As the commander of heaven's forces, St. Michael triumphs over the powers of hell, embodying the virtues of the spiritual warrior. His battle with evil serves as a reminder of the constant struggle within us to overcome our own inner demons. 
2. Angel of Death: St. Michael descends at the hour of our death, offering each soul the chance to redeem itself before passing. He is often depicted weighing souls on his perfectly balanced scales, emphasizing the justice and mercy of God. 
3. Guardian of the Church: As the protector of the church, St. Michael is a powerful intercessor, defending the faithful against the forces of evil. His role as the special patron of the Chosen People in the Old Testament extends to the Church today. 
4. Defender of the Faithful: St. Michael's defense of the faithful is highlighted in the Churches liturgy, especially in prayers like the Chaplet of St. Michael and the Prayer to St. Michael. These devotions ask for his protection in life and in death, ensuring that we are always under his care. 

St. Michael's Lent: Bring about a Greater Sense of Spiritual Clarity and Strength

Saint Michael's Lent is a 40 day observance dedicated to prayer, fasting, and penance in honor of St. Michael the Archangel and the Blessed Virgin Mary. This tradition begins on August 15th, after the Feast of the Assumption of Mary and concludes on September the 29th, The Feast of St. Michael, with Sundays excluded from the fast. It is believed to have originated in the 13th century with St. Francis of Assisi, who held a deep devotion to St. Michael and the angels, and believed practicing Saint Michael's Lent was a way to grow closer to them. 

Ways to engage in Saint Michael's Lent include: 

• Praying the Chaplet of St. Michael
• Reciting the Litany of the Holy Angels or the Litany of the Holy Guardian Angel
• Fasting with prayers of gratitude and devotion
• Simplifying your lifestyle as an act of humility
• Joining a group of like-minded individuals for encouragement and accountability

This observance serves as a powerful spiritual retreat, fostering a closer relationship with St. Michael and invoking his aid in the battle against evil. 

Michaelmas: a Time for Celebration and Reflection

Michaelmas, celebrated on September 29th, is a festival that commemorates St. Michael's victory over evil. Historically, this day was marked by community gatherings, feasts, and the celebration of the autumn harvest. Though modern times may not require the same labor-intensive preparations, Michaelmas remains a time to come together, express gratitude, and reflect on the lessons of St. Michael's triumph. 

Ways to Celebrate Michaelmas: 

• Gathering Together: Invite friends and family to join you in celebrating Michaelmas. This Feast Day is an excellent opportunity to strengthen community bonds. 
• Traditional Foods: Prepare dishes that use produce traditionally harvested in September potatoes, beans, and apples, symbolizing the fruits of the harvest. Sharing a meal with loved ones is a great way to strengthen your relationships. 
• Dragon Stories and Crafts: Engage with the symbolic dragon associated with Michaelmas by crafting dragon puppets or baking a dragon themed cake you can all slay together. These activities serve as a fun reminder of St. Michael's triumph over evil. 

Products to Enhance Your Devotion to St. Michael: 

As you celebrate St. Michael and his powerful intercession, consider incorporating meaningful items into your home or parish that reflect his role as a protector and warrior. 

1. St. Michael Statues: A statue of St. Michael defeating the dragon serves as a powerful reminder of God's protection in your daily life. 
2. St. Michael the Archangel Luggage Tag: The perfect travel accessory for anyone seeking a little extra protection on their journey. The front features a striking image of St. Michael slaying the dragon and the back has space for important contact information to ensure your luggage is easily identifiable. 
3. St. Michael Auto Decal: "Now a war arose in Heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they were defeated..." Rev 12:7. Have Saint Michael the Archangel on your side while you're on the road. Get this window sticker for your car or for the car of your loved ones.
4. St. Michael Rosary with Blue Wood Beads: This distinctive corded Saint Michael rosary is a perfect addition for your devotional rosary collection or to gift to someone going through a hard time. Comes in a handsome leatherette gift box. 
5. St. Michael the Archangel Plaque: This elegant plaque is made in Italy and shows St. Michael holding a sword and scale while slaying a demon. Can be displayed on the wall or on a tabletop. Display in your house or gift as a housewarming present to remind the occupants to pray regularly and to ask for protection. 
6. St. Michael Visor Clip: Slide on this beautiful brass visor clip to remind yourself and others to pray regularly for protection. Great gift for new drivers or when a new car is purchased. 
7. Saint Michael Charm by Tiny Saint: This small charm has a lot of personality! Great way to get children interested in saints, and a great charm for those young at heart as well. Clasp onto the zipper of backpacks, purses, lunch bags, jewelry, etc. This fun 1" charm is made of rubber and shows St. Michael with a sword. 
8. Saint Michael Sticker with Stained Glass Design: Add this clear adhesive sticker to the side of a glass candle or to your window to let this image glow! Add to your travel mug, binders, bible covers, etc. for unique personalization. We have a whole series of Saint stickers in stained glass design to gift and use yourself! 
9. Archangel St. Michael Magnet: Place this on a refrigerator, school locker, file cabinet and enjoy the image of the great protector throughout your day. 
10. Saint Michael the Archangel Necklace: This medal is made of sterling silver and attached to a twenty-inch, rhodium-plated chain. Buy it for yourself or for a loved-one to help invoke protection. 
11. (Not pictured) Saint Michael Novena: Use this 9 day novena to Saint Michael for guidance with prayer and devotion. Convenient size to fit into your purse, bible cover, or car console. 

At F.C. Ziegler Company, we are honored to support your spiritual journey with a wide range of products that help you connect with St. Michael. Our goal is to provide you with the tools to enrich your faith and draw closer to God's protection through the intercession of His mighty archangel. 

Celebrate Michaelmas with us this year, and may St. Michael defend you in all your battles.