First reminder – due to my generally being away from the blog over weekends, and the fact that I just plain forgot on Friday, here is your reminder to start your Novena for Michaelmas, uh…..two days ago. Don’t feel bad, I didn’t start until today, either! The Novena:
Saint Michael the Archangel, loyal champion of God and His Catholic people, I turn to thee with confidence and seek thy powerful intercession. For the love of God, Who hast made thee so glorious in grace and power, and for the love of the Mother of Jesus, the Queen of the Angels, be pleased to hear my prayer.
Thou knowest the value of my soul in the eyes of God. May no stain of evil ever disfigure its beauty. Help me to conquer the evil spirit who tempts me. I desire to imitate thy loyalty to God and Holy Mother Church and thy great love for God and men. And since thou art God’s messenger for the care of His people, I entrust to thee this special request: (Here mention your request.)
Saint Michael, since thou art, by the will of the Creator, the powerful intercessor of Christians, I have great confidence in thy prayers. I earnestly trust that if it is God’s holy will, my petition will be granted.
Pray for me, Saint Michael, and also for those I love. Protect us in all dangers of body and soul. Help us in our daily needs. Through thy powerful intercession, may we live a holy life, die a happy death and reach Heaven where we may praise and love God with thee forever. Amen.
The other reminder is that this is Ember Week. Partial fast and abstinence on Wednesday and Friday, partial fast and total abstinence on Friday. That means you can have meat at one meal on Wednesday and Saturday but none on Friday, and you can only have one main meal and two snacks on all days.
But these are not sufferings, or even painful denials, but glorious offerings to God and demonstrations of our love for Him and Our Holy Mother Church!
