FEAST OF ST. MICHAEL (FATHER’S FAITH NOTES: SEPTEMBER 26, 2021)
As we prepare to celebrate our Feast Day this week, I want to share with you one final, more personal reflection on the importance of St. Michael the Archangel. Almost exactly two years ago, I had the opportunity to visit a close priest friend of mine who is studying in Rome. Though I had been to Italy before, this time I had a very strong sense of being called to visit Monte Sant’Angelo, where the Basilica of St. Michael is located. I had never been before but had a deep sense that it was important for me to visit.
We visited the site, which is a church built around a cave where St. Michael the Archangel first appeared in 490 AD. As it turned out, by no plan of ours, we were able to visit just before the Feast Day, when the church was thronged with priests, bishops, and lay faithful reciting the Chaplet of St. Michael, which I had never prayed before. I had such a powerful experience there of St. Michael’s protection and presence that I stopped in the gift shop and purchased a Chaplet and a book of prayers to St. Michael and began reciting them every day. Little did I know that, just a few months later, Bishop Zarama would call me to become the pastor of St. Michael’s.
The experience I had at the Basilica of St. Michael two years ago convinced me of the power and importance of St. Michael the Archangel and is the spiritual impetus behind my desire to share with you the Chaplet of St. Michael and build up greater devotion to our patron. He is a powerful intercessor, a great protector, and we are blessed to be under his patronage. Have a blessed week and remember to celebrate the Feast of St. Michael on Wednesday.
St. Michael the Archangel, pray for us!
Fr. Michael