Every year on September 29, the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, a solemn occasion profoundly honoring the Archangel Michael and the entire celestial host. This feast, moreover, stands among the oldest in the liturgical calendar. Early Christian devotion to heavenly powers, who serve and diligently defend God’s people, rooted it deeply.
Known traditionally as Michaelmas, this significant day explicitly invites the faithful to reflect on the eternal battle between good and evil, the vital mission of the angels, and God’s spiritual protection.
The liturgical veneration of St. Michael is truly ancient, dating back to at least the 5th century. At that time, Christians dedicated a basilica to him near Rome. The feast on September 29 originally celebrated this dedication. Later, it was significantly expanded to include Gabriel, Raphael, and all the angels.
Pope Gregory I notably promoted devotion to St. Michael during a time of plague in Rome. This action, furthermore, further established his crucial role as a divine protector. Over centuries, the feast consequently evolved to acknowledge the full heavenly host. By the Middle Ages, moreover, Michaelmas was observed widely across Europe.
Sacred Scripture names three specific angels, each powerfully entrusted with distinct missions:
These figures are not merely symbolic; instead, they are actual servants of God. The Church venerates them for their unwavering obedience, immense power, and indispensable role in salvation history.
The Mass for September 29 includes scriptural readings that consistently emphasize the angels’ vital role in the divine plan:
The liturgical color is consistently white, signifying joy and the heavenly nature of the celebration. This feast is, furthermore, especially solemn in communities dedicated to monastic life and traditional liturgy.
Throughout the centuries, various customs have developed around this holy day:
For more details on the Prayer to St. Michael: St. Michael the Archangel Prayer – Catholic Online
The angels are more than mere symbols; importantly, they are eternal servants of God. They were present at the creation of the world and remain actively involved in His ongoing work. St. Michael’s feast, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual realm that surrounds and consistently supports the Church.
As protector of the Church and patron of soldiers, police, and all those who defend truth and justice, St. Michael remains a powerful intercessor. He is especially invoked in times of moral and spiritual conflict.
Explore the role of angels in Catholic teaching: Angels – Catholic Encyclopedia (New Advent) Learn more about St. Michael’s significance: St. Michael the Archangel – Franciscan Media
