The Chaplet of Saint Michael is a powerful Catholic devotion that calls upon Saint Michael the Archangel and the nine Choirs of Angels for protection, strength, and victory in spiritual warfare. This beautiful prayer has been cherished by the faithful for centuries, especially by those seeking defense against evil and perseverance in faith.
In this post, you will learn who Saint Michael is, why we pray to him, the history of the Chaplet of Saint Michael, and how to pray it step by step.
Who is Saint Michael the Archangel
Saint Michael the Archangel is one of the most beloved saints in the Christian tradition. Known for his strength and unwavering devotion to God, he holds a special place as the leader of the heavenly army. God appointed Saint Michael to lead all the angels in the fight against the rebel angels who opposed God’s kingdom.
As a mighty warrior for God’s glory, Saint Michael constantly battles the forces of evil. On earth, he serves as protector and defender of the faithful, especially in moments of temptation, sin, or spiritual struggle. We can call upon him in prayer to help us overcome difficulties and stand strong in our faith.
Saint Michael’s feast day is celebrated on September 29th, reminding us of his powerful role in the spiritual battle between good and evil. He is not only a champion of justice but also a healer and guardian of the Church. His example inspires perseverance in following God’s will and the triumph of good over evil.
Embracing the Protection of Saint Michael
The Chaplet of Saint Michael is more than just a prayer, it is a powerful spiritual armour for our daily lives. Through this devotion, we honour not only Saint Michael but all the heavenly angels who surround us with God’s protection and grace.
In a world filled with spiritual challenges, temptations, and uncertainties, Saint Michael stands as a mighty defender of the faithful. His example reminds us to be courageous in our faith, steadfast in prayer, and vigilant against the forces that seek to pull us away from God.
By praying the Chaplet regularly, we invite the nine Choirs of Angels to join us in our spiritual battles. This devotion assures us that we are never alone, God’s heavenly hosts are at our side, ready to protect and guide us.
May the powerful intercession of Saint Michael inspire us to live with courage and holiness. Let us commit to praying the Chaplet of Saint Michael often, drawing near to this great Archangel, so that we may live each day under his watchful care and be ready to face the spiritual battles before us.
Why Should We Pray to Saint Michael?
Praying to Saint Michael daily is a powerful way to seek his protection during our lives and at the hour of our death. Here are some important reasons to turn to him in prayer:
- Protection from Evil:
Saint Michael is a defender against the forces of evil, satan, and fallen angels. His intercession helps protect individuals, families, and the Church from spiritual and physical harm. - Victory in Spiritual Warfare:
As a symbol of courage and strength, Saint Michael helps us resist temptations and overcome spiritual challenges in daily life. He inspires us to fight for goodness and justice. - Patron of the Church:
Saint Michael is regarded as the Church’s patron and protector, especially in times of crisis or persecution. His prayers strengthen the faithful and defend the Christian faith. - Guardian of Souls:
Catholic tradition holds that Saint Michael assists souls at the time of death, escorting them to heaven. This makes him a powerful figure to invoke for the dying or those praying for the dead.
The Saint Michael Prayer
One of the most well-known prayers in Catholic tradition is the Prayer to Saint Michael, composed by Pope Leo XIII in 1886 after a profound vision. This prayer is commonly recited for protection against the devil and evil spirits:
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Hosts,
by the power of God, cast into hell Satan
and all the evil spirits
who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
This prayer is often said daily, especially after Mass or during times of spiritual trial.
The Chaplet of Saint Michael: History and Devotion
The Chaplet of Saint Michael, also called the Rosary of the Angels, is a beautiful devotional prayer honoring Saint Michael and the nine Choirs of Angels. It asks for their help and protection, especially in spiritual battles against evil.
This devotion was approved by Pope Pius IX in 1851 and originates from a vision received by a devout servant of God named Antonia d’Astonac. In her vision, Saint Michael instructed her to honor him by offering nine salutations—each corresponding to one of the nine Choirs of Angels.
According to Sacred Scripture, God created different orders of angels, traditionally grouped into nine Choirs:
- Seraphim
- Cherubim
- Thrones
- Dominions
- Powers
- Virtues
- Principalities
- Archangels
- Angels
While other angelic orders may exist, these nine are the ones revealed to us in Scripture. (References: Isaiah 6:2, Genesis 3:24, Colossians 1:16, Ephesians 1:21, Romans 8:38)
Saint Michael promised that those who faithfully practice this devotion—especially when preparing for Holy Communion—will be accompanied by one angel from each Choir, guarding and guiding them. Moreover, those who pray the Chaplet daily receive the ongoing assistance of Saint Michael and all the angels throughout their lives, and after death, deliverance from purgatory for themselves and their loved ones.
What a wonderful way to honor this powerful and loving archangel!
How to Pray the Chaplet of Saint Michael: A step by step guide
The Chaplet is prayed using a particular set of rosary beads. Where traditional rosary beads are designed for 5 decades (each decade = 1 x Our Father & 10 x Hail Marys), the rosary beads for St. Michael’s chaplet are designed for 9 angelic groups. Each group has 4 beads, 1 x Our Father bead, and 3 x Hail Mary beads.
STEP 1: On the medal or centrepiece, say an Act of Contrition and the Opening invocations:
Act of Contrition (traditional)
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.
V: O God, come to my assistance.
R: O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory Be: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
STEP 2. Prayer to honour each of the Nine Salutations, followed my 1 x Our Father and 3 x Hail Marys, for each Salutation.
- Seraphim:
“By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Seraphim, may the Lord make us worthy to burn with the fire of perfect charity. Amen.” 1 x Our Father and 3 x Hail Marys - Cherubim:
“By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Cherubim, may the Lord grant us grace to leave the ways of wickedness and run in the paths of Christian perfection. Amen.” 1 x Our Father and 3 x Hail Marys - Thrones:
“By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Thrones, may the Lord infuse into our hearts a true and sincere spirit of humility. Amen.” 1 x Our Father and 3 x Hail Marys - Dominions:
“By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Dominions, may the Lord give us grace to govern our senses and subdue our unruly passions. Amen.” 1 x Our Father and 3 x Hail Marys - Powers:
“By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Powers, may the Lord protect our souls against the snares and temptations of the devil. Amen.” 1 x Our Father and 3 x Hail Marys - Virtues:
“By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Virtues, may the Lord preserve us from evil and suffer us not to fall into temptation. Amen.” 1 x Our Father and 3 x Hail Marys - Principalities:
“By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Principalities, may God fill our souls with a true spirit of obedience. Amen.” 1 x Our Father and 3 x Hail Marys - Archangels:
“By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Archangels, may the Lord give us perseverance in faith and good works, so we may gain the glory of Paradise. Amen.” 1 x Our Father and 3 x Hail Marys - Angels:
“By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Angels, may the Lord grant us protection in this mortal life and conduct us to eternal glory. Amen.” 1 x Our Father and 3 x Hail Marys
STEP 3. On the remaining beads, pray 1 x Our Father to honour the Archangels and your Guardian Angel:
- Saint Michael
- Saint Gabriel
- Saint Raphael
- Your Guardian Angel
STEP 4. Pray the Closing Prayers:
O glorious Prince St. Michael, chief and commander of the heavenly hosts, guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirits, servant in the house of the Divine King, and our admirable conductor,
thou who dost shine with excellence and superhuman virtue,
vouchsafe to deliver us from all evil, who turn to thee with confidence,
and enable us by thy gracious protection to serve God more faithfully every day.V: Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ
R: That we may be made worthy of His promises.Almighty and Everlasting God, who by a prodigy of goodness and merciful desire for the salvation of all men, hast appointed the most glorious Archangel, St. Michael, Prince of Thy Church,
make us worthy, we beseech Thee, to be delivered from all our enemies
that none of them may harass us at the hour of death,
but that we may be conducted by him into the presence of Thy Divine Majesty.
Through the merits of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
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