On this final day of our Michaelmas Novena, we pray for Saint Michael's Abbey and for all religious communities throughout the Church.

Today is a day of singular grace for our community as our new abbot John receives the Solemn Abbatial Blessing. Through this sacred rite, the Church entrusts to him the paternal care of this monastery to preserve its unity, to govern it in charity, to guard its spiritual inheritance, and to lead his confreres in the pursuit of holiness.

So as we conclude this novena, let us ask Saint Michael and the holy angels to protect our new abbot, to strengthen him in wisdom and fortitude, and to assist all of us at Saint Michael's Abbey in remaining faithful to the apostolic and religious life entrusted to us.

For more information related to Michaelmas this year, click here.