# Prayers to St. Gregory the Great and St. Michael the Archangel
*2015-09-03*

> Bill Young reflects on the feast of St. Gregory the Great and offers prayers to both St. Gregory and St. Michael, asking for their intercession for his family and the Church.

## Why St. Gregory Matters

Good morning, I’m Bill Young. Today is Thursday, September 3rd, the feast day of St. Pope Gregory the Great. Gregory has special meaning for me—my son is named after him, and we attend the evening Mass at St. Gregory the Great in Plantation, Florida. Gregory became pope at the age of fifty, but he was not always a priest. In his early twenties he served as prefect of Rome, and later, after his papacy, he helped resolve many crises facing the Church.

## A Prayer to St. Gregory the Great

Let us ask St. Gregory to pray for us, especially for my son and for Pope Francis.

Father, you guide your people with kindness and govern us with love. By the prayers of St. Gregory, grant the spirit of wisdom to those you have called to lead your Church. May the growth of your people in holiness bring eternal joy to your shepherds. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

## A Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

Since this month is dedicated to the angels, I offer a prayer to St. Michael, the Archangel.

Archangel, defend us in the hour of conflict. Be our safeguard against wickedness and the snares of the devil. May God restrain him. May we humbly pray, "Do thou, O Prince of heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast Satan down to hell, and with him all wicked spirits that wander the world seeking the ruin of souls." Amen.

St. Michael, enlighten us with your light. Protect us with your wings. Defend us with your sword. Defend our homes from demons and from the evil committed by people on earth. Defend us in battle so that we may not perish.

*May the intercession of St. Gregory and St. Michael strengthen us in faith and protect us on our journey.*