Our relationships with our angels are often neglected. By praying this novena together, may we strengthen our relationship and connection to our Archangels, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, but also with our very own Guardian Angel.
The daily reflections for this Novena were from Dr. Peter Kreeft and his book, “Angels and Demons: What do we really know about them?” The book is based on a philosophy class he taught at Boston College. I hope you enjoyed the daily meditations and, perhaps, read the book.
Fr. John
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”
Pray for me, St. Michael the Archangel, and also for those I love. Protect us in all dangers of body and soul. Help us in our daily needs. Through your powerful intercession, may we live a holy life, die a happy death, and reach heaven where we may praise and love God with you forever. Amen.
Pray for me, St. Gabriel the Archangel. I ask for the grace of a special power of the will to strive for holiness of life. Steady my resolutions, renew my courage, comfort, and console me in the problems, trials, and sufferings of daily living, as you consoled our Savior in His agony and Mary in her sorrows and Joseph in his trials. Amen.
Pray for me, St. Raphael the Archangel. I ask you to help me in my struggle against the world, the spirit of impurity, and the devil. Defend me from all dangers and every occasion of sin. Direct me always in the way of peace, safety, and salvation. Help me to love and serve my God faithfully, to die in His grace, and finally to merit to join you in seeing and praising God forever in heaven. Amen.
Loving God, you are so good that you gave me a Guardian Angel to protect my body and my soul. Help me to know and follow my angel so that, with their guidance, I will be worthy of being in Heaven with You! My sweet Guardian Angel, you are my counselor every day of my life. Inspire me to be holy and good like you. Inspire me to be the person that God is calling me to be. Inspire me to be a light for others to know and love the Lord. Amen.
Guardian Angel, you are with me all the time so you already know these my intentions that I ask you to deliver to the Lord.
Professor Kreeft, was there a war in heaven between the angels who turned to God and those who turned away?
The “war in heaven” that erupted when Lucifer (“Light-bearer”) fell and became Satan (“the Accuser”) is described in the Bible in two passages:
“Now war arose in heaven, Michael [whose name means “Who Is like God?” and thus shows the lie of Satan’s pride] and his angels fighting against the dragon [Satan]; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they were defeated and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. —Rev 12:7-9
“How are you fallen from heaven, O Day Star [“Lucifer”], son of Dawn! How are you cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! You said in your heart, “I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will make myself like the Most High.” Kreeft, Peter J.. Angels and Demons: What Do We Really Know about Them? (pp. 116-118). Ignatius Press. Kindle Edition.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
Saint Michael 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, Thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits Who roam through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen