Celebrating the Feast of the Archangels (Michaelmas)

Every year on September 29, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Archangels, historically called Michaelmas. On this day, we celebrate St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael--the three archangels.

• St Michael- the warrior
• St Gabriel- the messenger
• St Raphael- the healer and protector of travelers

Michaelmas Origins

Traditionally, September 29 was set aside as the feast day for St. Michael. Hence, the feast was named Michaelmas, as it was a day to celebrate Michael (much like Christmas is a day to celebrate Christ). St. Gabriel and St. Raphael had feasts on other days. However, with the 1969 revision of the liturgical calendar, the three archangels feasts were consolidated into one day.

Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. Revelation 12:7-9

How to Celebrate?

St. Michael is famous for defending us in battle against the devil. So, it's fitting to spend the day celebrating Victory over evil. Whether in your menu, activities, or prayers, choose a way to set the day apart.

Food

Gathering around a special meal is the way we celebrate most special occasions. Celebrate the feast of the archangels with these fun, themed food ideas.

• Deviled Eggs
• Angel Hair Pasta
• Angel Food Cake: To celebrate the feast of the archangels, why not make angel food cake?
• Devil's Food Cake: Alternatively, celebrate the enemy's defeat by devouring a devil's food cake.

Prayers

Adding a special prayer to your feast day festivities is a great idea. It helps us to remember why you're celebrating, and place your mind on things above. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• You can always attend mass; the highest form of prayer and leisure; an excellent way to honor a feast day.
• Pray the St. Michael the Archangel prayer

Activities

• Coloring Pages: There are plenty of printable coloring pages available online (free and paid). Print out a variety and spend some time coloring with your children while you discuss
• Simple Hanging Decorations: Print off these adorable hanging decorations of the three archangels, which include prayers on the back!
• Salt dough dragon candle holder: Satan is often depicted as a dragon. Create your own dragon shaped candle holder to use year after year.
• Make your own swords: Buy a wooden kit and decorate them, or cut your own out of cardboard.
• Devil Piñata: Kendra Tierney from Catholic All Year mentions making a devil pinata to wack, in celebration of the devil's defeat.
• Sword Fight: St. Michael is famously depicted slaying demons with a sword. So, let the kids at it with homemade swords. Organize a jousting competition. Have fun with it.

Something Special

To keep things really simple, just do something that sets the day apart. Eat dinner outside. Have a picnic. Eat your favourite treat. Have dinner by candlelight. Go out for brunch. Just pick something that will set the day apart from every other day, and do so in honour of the archangels.

The Role of Fasting: St. Michael's Lent

Traditionally, Michaelmas was preceded by St. Michael's Lent. A "mini Lent", beginning on the Solemnity of the Assumption (August 15) and ending with the Feast of the Archangels on September 29th.

The practice was started by St. Francis of Assisi, who had a special devotion to St. Michael. He fasted to prepare to celebrate the feast of St. Michael and to grow spiritually.

Fasting is a powerful and essential tool to grow in our faith. St. Michael's Lent can be a great way to 'reset'. Lent was a few months ago, and a lot of us modern day Catholics don't fast as much as we need. It's a great opportunity to open our eyes to the spiritual battles waging around us, and do our part to fight.

Exodus 90 has a St. Michael's Lent program (targeted to men) that my husband has enjoyed the past couple years. The fruits of the program have been felt by our entire family. Hallow, a Catholic prayer app that I love using, has also started a St. Michael's program. You can try either of these, or simply observe your own lent with the fasting and prayers you choose.

I pray that you and your family have a wonderful Feast of the Archangels. Please comment below with the ways you celebrate St. Michael's Lent and the Feast of the Archangels!