The name of Mary thrills the angels. Her name is their battle cry, and it terrifies demons. Like the angels, we too can gaze with love and wonder on the Incarnation. Moreover, we can know and marvel at the fact that the angels look on our very humanity with love and reverence, since Christ Himself became man.

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This reflection is part of a Novena to St. Michael the Archangel, in preparation for Michaelmas. Learn more here.

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Novena Prayer to St. Michael

Great Saint Michael, Prince of the Heavenly Host,

your name is a question filled with awe: "Who is like God?"

Your vocation is to reveal His power and His wisdom,

and so your name teaches us that nothing can compare with His might and goodness.

What is there that we cannot hope to receive from God's hand through your intercession and care?

We entrust to you the intentions we bring in this novena:

for Holy Church in Her trials; for our homelands so much in

need of healing and grace; for our families who are shielded

by the angels who guard us on our way to heaven;

for the sick; for sinners; for the dying;

for our dear, departed loved ones; and for protection

from all the forces of evil who oppose these intentions.

We expect great things and abundant blessings as we invoke you.

Christ the Lord is your King and ours; we are safe under your

shield and with your fiery sword of burning love for Him.

We thank you in advance for the gifts to be obtained in this

novena and promise in our gratitude to make your name

and devotion known as much as we are able.

Blessed be God, glorious in His fair hosts of angels led by you,

Michael, the leader of the bodiless powers of heaven!

Amen.

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