Feast of the Apparition of St. Michael
- Fr. Scott Haynes
- Apr 25
- 3 min read
Overview
On May 8th, we recall the miraculous apparition of St. Michael the Archangel. You are invited to enroll your prayer requests to be remembered in Holy Mass on his feast day and to pray the Litany of St. Michael (below).
Background
Saint Michael is one of the seven celestial beings that stand before God's throne; he is also the personal guardian angel of Saint Joseph and of every pope. Saint Michael, an angel from heaven, made an appearance on the mountain Gargano in southern Italy in the sixth century. St. Michael, in this vision, beseeched the transformation of the cave into a temple dedicated to the True God, to atone for the sin of pagan worship that had previously taken place there. There is still evidence of the Monte Sant'Angelo sul Gargano Sanctuary today.
A storm rolled in on the eve of the Lombards' fight, and St. Michael subsequently emerged from the mountaintop wielding a blazing sword. On that particular day, May 8, 663, the Lombards believed St. Michael was responsible for their triumph in war. On May 8th, the anniversary of the battle, the Church instituted a Feast to commemorate the Apparition of St. Michael.
Litany of St. Michael
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven,
have mercy on us.
God, the Son, the Redeemer of the world,
have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit,
have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God,
have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Queen of Angels,
pray for us.
Saint Michael,
pray for us.
Saint Michael, abundant font of Divine wisdom,
pray for us.
Saint Michael, most perfect adorer of the Divine Word,
pray for us.
Saint Michael, whom God crowned with honor and glory,
pray for us.
Saint Michael, most powerful Prince of the heavenly host,
pray for us.
Saint Michael, standard-bearer of the Most Holy Trinity,
pray for us.
Saint Michael, guardian of Paradise,
pray for us.
Saint Michael, guide and consoler of the People of God,
pray for us.
Saint Michael, splendor and fortitude of the Church Militant,
pray for us.
Saint Michael, honor and joy of the Church Triumphant
pray for us.
Saint Michael, light of the Angels,
pray for us.
Saint Michael, protection of orthodox people,
pray for us.
Saint Michael, strength of those who fight under the standard of the Cross,
pray for us.
Saint Michael, light and hope of souls near death,
pray for us.
Saint Michael, our most sure aid,
pray for us.
Saint Michael, help in our adversities,
pray for us.
Saint Michael, herald of the everlasting judgment,
pray for us.
Saint Michael, consoler of souls languishing in purgatory,
pray for us.
Saint Michael, receiver of the souls of the elect after death,
pray for us.
Saint Michael, our prince,
pray for us.
Saint Michael, our defender,
pray for us.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,
spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,
hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
V. Pray for us, Saint Michael the Archangel
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray. Sanctify us, we beseech Thee, O Lord Jesus, with Thy holy blessing, and grant us, by the intercession of St. Michael, that wisdom which teaches us to lay up treasures in Heaven by exchanging the goods of this world for those of eternity, Thou who lives and reigns world without end. Amen.
Order the Book
Fr. Scott A. Haynes
In the heart of Christian tradition lies a figure whose role is both celestial and terrestrial, a warrior and protector, a guide and intercessor: St. Michael the Archangel. Revered across the Christian world, St. Michael's presence is woven into the fabric of the Church's history, theology, and spirituality. Among the most mysterious and captivating aspects of his veneration is the phenomenon known as the "Sword of St. Michael"—a series of seven monasteries and churches that stretch across Europe in a perfect alignment, forming what many believe to be a spiritual and geographical sword.
This book explores the depths of this mysterious alignment, delving into the history, miracles, and spiritual significance of each of these sacred sites. The alignment of these seven sanctuaries, extending from Ireland to Israel, has captured the imagination of pilgrims, historians, and spiritual seekers for centuries. The journey along this line is not merely a geographical one; it is a spiritual pilgrimage, a journey through the history of the Church, a path marked by the faith and devotion of countless Saints, Popes, and ordinary believers.
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