St. Michael, Defend Us! All Ye Holy Archangels, Pray for Us!

​BLESS the Lord, all ye His Angels: you that are mighty in strength, and execute
​His word, hearkening to the voice of His orders. ~ Introit from the Mass for St. Michael

On this feast of the three named Archangels, the Sisters particularly love to honor the angels by singing the hymn "Michael, Prince of All the Angels". In this triumphant hymn, St. Michael is given pride of place for His role as Defender, but the Gabriel and Rafael are also honored in their roles as Messenger and Healer. Each of the other choirs of angels are mentioned, with a special note of thanks for our faithful guardian angels.

Michael, Prince of all the angels,
While your legions fill the sky,
All victorious over Satan,
Lift you flaming sword on high;
Shout to all the seas and heavens:
Now the morning has begun;
Now is rescued from the dragon
She whose garment is the sun!

​Mighty champion of the woman,
Mighty servant of her Lord,
Come with all your myriad warriors,
Come and save us with your sword;
Enemies of God surround us:
Share with us your burning love;
Let the incense of our worship
Rise before His throne above!

The Three Archangels by d'Oggiono

Gabriel, messenger to Mary,
Raphael, healer, friend and guide,
All you hosts of guardian angels
Ever standing by our side,
Virtues, Thrones and Dominations,
Raise on high your joyful hymn,
Principalities and Powers,
Cherubim and Seraphim!
​

Collect from the Feast of St. Michael

O GOD, who hast constituted the services
of Angels and of men in a wonderful order,
mercifully grant, that they who ever stand
before Thy face to do Thee service in
heaven, may also defend our life upon
earth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy
Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in
the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world
without end. 

​Mary, Queen of all the Angels, "whose garment is the sun," pray for us who turn to thee!