Michaelmas - Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, 29 September

Saint Michael the Archangel,
Defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the
Wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him,
We humbly pray.
And do thou,
O Prince of the Heavenly Host,
By the Power of God,
Cast into Hell
Satan and all the evil spirits
which prowl about the world,
Seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.

On Michaelmas two years ago, during our travels in England, Sarah, the kids, and I visited Ely Cathedral (Anglican) before going to Sarah's Great-Auntie Olive's house for dinner. While at the Cathedral, I asked the ladies who were attending the excellent gift shop whether there were any special services planned that day to commemorate Michaelmas.

The answer:

"Is today Michaelmas? Why yes, I suppose it is, isn't it. You know, I just don't think there's as much attention given to the old feasts as there used to be. Nowadays, Michaelmas mostly just marks the beginning of school terms."

I just don't think there's as much attention given to the old feasts as there used to be.

Indeed.



Links:
Patron Saints Index - St. Michael

Women for Faith & Family - St. Michael and All Angels

Variations of St. Michael Prayer

Pictures of St. Michael

Recipe - Michaelmas Goose with Traditional Potato & Apple Stuffing

St. Michael's Mount, Cornwall

...not to be confused with ...

Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy

... and certainly not with ...

Skellig Michael, Ireland