Posted on 12/13/2012 8:18:56 PM PST by Salvation
Wonderful idea, but it would be better if the bishops mandated it across the board and not just one bishop or a priest here and there across the country, but that is just me.
For children, the children’s version of the book, “Heaven is for Real”, the little child in question that had the NDE, when he was in he was in Heaven for a short time, said he saw St. Michael the Archangel and said he is very tall.
I named my 5 year old after St. Michael. He is all boy and he loves to say this prayer before bedtime. I had never thought about how this prayer is such a manly prayer that would appeal to boys. My son loves the thought of St. Michael fighting against the devil to save our souls. He even swings his imaginary sword as we say “defend us in battle”.
The Church needs more masculine imagery and use of this prayer would be a great start.
The saying of this powerful prayer was officially suppressed in 1964, after Vatican II. In our area (the Archdiocese of New York), in no parish that I have attended Mass has it been used, that is, until recently. I have heard members of the congrgatiion say the prayer on their own, but not led by the priest.
Last Christmas,however, I attended a beautiful Novus Ordo Mass at St. Veronica’s in Chantilly, Virginia - the Mass itself was partially in Latin, and the priest said the Mass ad orientem (”facing East”, with his back to the people). After that Mass, the priest led the people in the traditional prayers after Mass as done in the Tridentine rite.
I no longer regularly attend the novus ordo Mass, that is unless I cannot find a Traditional Latin Mass; after every Low Mass, as prescribed in the 1962 Missal, the Prayer to Saint Michael is said by the priest and congregation with the rest of the traditional after-Mass prayers: 3 Hail Marys, Hail Holy Queen, O God our refuge and ou strength, Prayer to Saint Michael.
That was a wonder read. Thanks for posting the link!
And I love the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel and *try* to say it everyday (though like all humans am not perfect at that). It's something 'very special' to me.
I also heartily AGREE!
I love this prayer, and when I do get the chance, try to pray it, to make sure my mind is still sharp at my age. :)
I have used a short version of the beginning of the prayer to St Michael for a very long time (as a part of my tagline) ... I long for the day when parishes all over the world start reciting this powerful prayer for his Intercession.
BEAUTIFUL presentation, ConorMacNessa!
You don't see new churches installing grand statues much anymore. It gives me a lift every time I see it. The new architects of Catholic Churches sometimes forget what the ancients knew: there are are many ways to enhance the Faith beyond preaching and reading -- stained glass, music, light, mosaics, art, incense, and sculpture.
Nice summary and it sounds as though you were blessed with something tolerable for that Christmas Mass. The other day a nurse asked me: "Do you have a religious preference?" I said "Yes, Pre-Vatican II Catholic". Don't think she knew what it meant but did write it down. Can you imagine a hospital chaplain calling around to parishes asking for a Pre-Vatican II priest? They (traitorous elements of the Church) even managed to screw up Extreme Unction. Who but the devil would suppress St. Michael's prayer and interfere with end-of-life prayers? So, back to the original comment, I have never made it far enough through a Novus Ordo to find out if St. Michael's prayer was said afterward. It is rare that I get to a Christmas Mass as Christmas rarely falls on a particular Sunday when our visiting Tridentine priest is in town.
About three years ago, I suggested to my pastor that this prayer be recited after every Mass. He agreed enthusiastically. It has been good not just for us but for visiting laity and clergy who’ve not been exposed to it.
Earlier this week (12-11-12) our 12th grandchild was born: Daniel Michael. I don’t know what inspired my daughter in law to choose that name, but it is apt that those names are linked in history. I’m saving your excerpt and will send it to our new baby’s parents.
Can you start a Rosary before Mass and say the Prayer of St. Michael after it?
Prayers for your priests.
I didn’t realize there was a children’s version of that book! Thanks.
Good for you for getting it started — just asking is all we need to do.
Aggie! I came across some how and read it. So inspiring! I had to post URL to great article. Lol!
Amen. Especially after the evil being reported today.
That occurred on 20 January 2009.
“Who but the devil would suppress St. Michael’s prayer and interfere with end-of-life prayers?”
Bingo.
And as people rend their garments about the Slaughter of the Innocents in Newtown, CT, I can only say that we have spent the last 50 years excluding God from our country, and now we want to know why these things happen?
Now, more than ever we need to pray,
“Saint Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into Hell, Satan and all the other evil spirits, who prowl throughout the world, seeking the ruin of souls. Amen”
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