# The Chaplet of the Angels
*2016-09-13*

> Bill Young explains the history and structure of the Chaplet of the Angels, a devotion revealed to St. Anthony of Portugal, and leads listeners through the full prayer.

## Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Good morning. I’m Bill Young, and today is September 14, the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. In the early fourth century St. Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, traveled to Jerusalem seeking the holy places of Christ’s life. Tradition holds that she uncovered the site of the True Cross, and her son built a basilica over the tomb of the Savior.

## What Is the Chaplet of the Angels?

The Chaplet of the Angels is a devotion composed of nine groups of prayers, each honoring one of the nine choirs of angels. Each group contains an Our Father followed by three Hail Marys. After the nine groups, four additional Our Fathers are prayed in honor of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and our guardian angel. The chaplet was revealed to St. Anthony of Portugal by St. Michael the Archangel, who promised that those who recite it before Holy Communion would be accompanied by angels from each choir when receiving the Body of Christ.

## How to Pray the Chaplet

We begin with the Sign of the Cross:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then we pray the Apostles’ Creed.

For each of the nine choirs we say:

*Invocation:* “Through the intercession of St. Michael and the heavenly choir of ___, may the Lord grant us the grace ___.” (Insert the specific choir: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Powers, Virtues, Principalities, Archangels, Angels.)

*Our Father*.

*Three Hail Marys*.

After the nine groups we pray four additional Our Fathers for Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and our guardian angel.

Finally we conclude with a prayer to St. Michael:

“Almighty and everlasting God, who in your abundant goodness and mercy appointed St. Michael as prince of your Church, grant us protection from all spiritual enemies and lead us into your divine presence. Amen.”

## Closing Prayer to St. Michael

Glorious St. Michael, chief and commander of the heavenly hosts, guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirits, servant of the Divine King—through your excellent virtues deliver us from all evil. May we turn to you with confidence, that your gracious protection may enable us to serve God more faithfully each day. Amen.

*Reciting the Chaplet of the Angels invites the protection and companionship of the angelic choirs as we draw near to Christ in the Eucharist.*