# Walking in praise with Pope Francis: Act of consecration to St. Michael the Archangel
*2015-09-26*

> Bill Young reflects on a recent pilgrimage to Washington, D.C. to see Pope Francis and begins a 30-day journey focused on care for our common home.

## Reflections on a Pilgrimage

I just returned from a journey to Washington, D.C., to see and hear Pope Francis. It was an amazing time, and I would like to thank the Archdiocese of Miami for putting on such a great trip. I also want to thank the 47 members of our bus trip, whom I now call friends. We had the opportunity to pray the Rosary many times, and a retired bishop from Miami even celebrated Mass for us in one of the chapels in the basilica. It was a beautiful basilica, and I thank God for the experience and for my new friends.

## Humility versus Arrogance

We are praying an Act of Consecration to St. Michael the Archangel. This prayer was written many years ago, but it has an even greater meaning today. It asks that with St. Michael's powerful armor, we keep far away from us that arrogant transgressor whom he once defeated in the conflict in heaven. This reminds me of the current climate on both sides of the political aisle since Pope Francis spoke to our Congress. There is a strong presence of arrogance today. We should follow the example of Pope Francis and his humility. Do not mistake humility for weakness; he is a very strong man, but he does everything in a humble way. Arrogance leads to only one thing, as we saw in the original conflict between the angels and Satan.

## Care for Our Common Home

Today we begin day one of 'Walking in Praise with Pope Francis: 30 Days on Care for Our Common Home.' The first question is: 'What will we leave behind?' Our actions show our children what our values are, and we must ask if this is the legacy we wish to leave them. The topic of climate change is so broad and complicated that it is easy to ignore it or hope that great minds will find a solution. However, Pope Francis is asking us to think more concretely and personally. What are we leaving for our children's children? What does that tell them about the values we consider important? We should ponder whether we would want our children and grandchildren to emulate our actions.

## Prayer and Consecration

Let us pray: God, Creator, help me to see that your creation is fragile and beautiful. Give me eyes to see where I need to change how I treat your gift, and help me to do it. Amen.

Most noble prince of the angelic hierarchy, courageous warrior of the Almighty, zealous lover of the glory of the Lord, terror of the rebellious angels, love and delight of all righteous angels. My beloved archangel, St. Michael, since I wish to be counted among the ranks of your faithful servants, today I offer myself to you. I give and devote myself to you, and I place myself, my family, and everything I possess under your most powerful protection. The offering of my service is small, since I am a miserable sinner, but I offer it with the love of my heart.

Remember that since this day I am under your protection, assist me throughout my life, obtaining forgiveness for the many sins I commit, some of them serious, and obtaining for me the grace of loving God, my beloved Savior Jesus, and my sweet mother Mary with all my heart. Grant me all the assistance I require to attain the crown of glory. Defend me against the enemies of my soul, especially at the hour of my death. Come to me at that moment, most gracious prince, and assist me in the final conflict. With your powerful armor, keep far away from me that arrogant transgressor whom you once defeated in the conflict in heaven, and send him back into the abyss of hell. Amen. St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in the hour of conflict.

*We are called to replace arrogance with humility and to consider the concrete legacy we are leaving for future generations through our care for creation.*