Lives Of The Saints
September 29
The Dedication of the Basilica of St. Michael
Quick answer
At a glance
- What it is
- The Dedication of the Basilica of St. Michael: Michaelmas honors St. Michael and all the holy angels for their worship, fidelity, and protection.
- Feast
- September 29
- Source
- Butler's Lives of the Saints, Volume III (July-August-September), September 29, The Dedication of the Basilica of St Michael the Archangel, Commonly Called Michaelmas Day, Christian Classics 1990, pp. 677-680. Read the source standards.
Saint Michael the Archangel, Ignacio de Ries
Brief life
At Michaelmas, the Church gives thanks for St. Michael and all the holy angels who worship God, defend His people, and carry out His commands. Scripture presents Michael as a heavenly champion whose strength comes entirely from fidelity to God.
The Western feast is linked with the dedication of a basilica of St. Michael on the Salarian Way near Rome and was established by at least the sixth century. Its prayers reach beyond the memory of one church building to honor the faithful service of all the angels.
The feast reminds Christians that God's providence includes unseen servants as well as the visible helps He gives His Church. Catholics honor the angels, ask their help, and thank God for their protection, but worship belongs to God alone. Every angelic victory points back to His power and glory.
Historical note
This is a feast of St. Michael and all the holy angels rather than a biography. Its Western observance is associated with a basilica dedication on Rome's Salarian Way.
Next step
Novena to St. Michael the Archangel
A novena connected to this saint is in the library.
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