# Novena to Saint Michael the Archangel
*2015-09-17*

> Bill Young leads a novena to Saint Michael, offering a series of prayers and reflections while asking for prayers for Pope Francis’ upcoming U.S. visit.

## Opening and Context

Good morning, I’m Bill Young. Today, September 17, we celebrate the feast of St. Robert Bellarmine, a great theologian and Doctor of the Church. My middle name is Robert, and my aunt always called me Bobby, so I feel a special connection to this saint. I’m also sharing a brief note about Pope Francis’ upcoming trip to the United States; a group from the Archdiocese of Miami will be traveling to Washington, D.C., New York, and Pennsylvania, and I’ll be interviewed by the local ABC affiliate. Please pray that I may speak clearly and help people listen to the Pope’s message.

## The Novena Begins

In association with this novena, a partial indulgence is granted daily. We begin with the sign of the cross and the following prayer:

“Lord, come to my aid. Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. Amen.”

We then recite the Apostles’ Creed:

“I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again; He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.”

## Hymn to Saint Michael

We sing a hymn honoring Saint Michael the Archangel, praising his victory over the dragon and asking that his protection may be extended to us and to the Church.

## The Nine Graces

The novena consists of nine “graces,” each a set of prayers invoking Saint Michael and a different choir of angels:

1. **First Grace** – We ask Saint Michael, together with the Prince of the Seraphim (the First Choir), to kindle in our hearts a fire of holy love and to protect us from worldly deceptions.
2. **Second Grace** – With the Prince of the Cherubim (the Second Choir), we pray for victory over temptation and for the strength to offer ourselves wholly to God.
3. **Third Grace** – With the Prince of the Thrones (the Third Choir), we ask that we not be oppressed by evil spirits or infirmities.
4. **Fourth Grace** – With the Prince of the Dominions (the Fourth Choir), we intercede for the Holy Father, Pope Francis, that his life and ministry may be blessed.
5. **Fifth Grace** – With the Prince of the Virtues (the Fifth Choir), we pray for deliverance from false witnesses, for peace in our country, and for protection from natural disasters.
6. **Sixth Grace** – With the Prince of the Powers (the Sixth Choir), we request the needs of our community and our hometown be met, and that Christian rulers may live in harmony.
7. **Seventh Grace** – With the Prince of the Principalities (the Seventh Choir), we ask for protection from physical and spiritual sickness in our nation.
8. **Eighth Grace** – With the Prince of the Archangels (the Eighth Choir), we seek assistance at the moment of death, that we may be victorious over Satan and enjoy divine goodness in paradise.
9. **Ninth Grace** – With the Prince of the Angels (the Ninth Choir), we pray for the grace to live a holy life, for the protection of our families, and for the joy of God’s presence forever.

Each grace is followed by a traditional Our Father, Hail Mary, and a concluding prayer to Saint Michael: “Defend us in battle, that we may not perish at the last judgment.”

## Closing Prayers

We conclude the novena with a series of Our Fathers in honor of Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, Saint Raphael, and our guardian angels, each ending with the familiar petition: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

Finally, we pray:

“Almighty and eternal God, who in your great goodness appointed the Archangel Michael as the glorious prince of the Church for the salvation of humankind, grant that through his saving help we may be defended from all enemies, that at the hour of our death we may be freed from sin and come before you. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

*May Saint Michael’s protection inspire us to live faithfully and to pray for the Church’s leaders and for peace in our world.*