Life in the 21st century can feel overwhelming. Luckily, God has already won the victory. And He gave us the Archangels to get us through! Here are 5 ways to invite St. Michael and the Archangels into your home. 

Despite modern comforts and the constant pursuit of pleasure, many of us are left feeling empty. It’s become easier to rely on AI to organize our lives, binge-watch Netflix in search of peace, or scroll endlessly to numb our emotions. We recognize we are made for more but can have trouble finding time to actualize this in daily life. No matter if you are a parent, single, young or old, our lives are packed. Scheduling fun, balancing work deadlines, keeping in contact with family, constant notifications, and a culture that glorifies hustle, we’re expected to manage everything at once. There never seem to be enough hours in the day — and in the chaos, we begin to let things slide. 

We end up justifying questionable choices and compromising our values, all in an effort to keep up with the Joneses. Every facet of life seems like a full-time job in and of itself, so it’s easy to live a distracted life.

Underneath all this lies the spiritual battle, which frankly, many of us are too exhausted from physical life to fight powers beyond the veil. Instead of relying on ourselves, let’s rely on our heavenly protectors. 

Pray the St. Michael Novena 

With his feast day approaching on September 29, St. Michael is here to fight the spiritual battle with us and for us.

St. Michael is the leader of God’s army, and he defeated Lucifer during the huge battle in Heaven (Revelation 12:7-9). St. Michael escorts the faithful to Heaven in their hour of death, is a champion of all Christians and the Church itself, and calls men from life on Earth to their heavenly judgement. His name means “Who is like God?”. While Lucifer wanted to become God, St. Michael resigned his will and serves the true God.

Learn the St. Michael chaplet

A Portuguese Carmelite, Blessed Antónia d’Astonac received a vision of St. Michael in the 18th century. He asked her to make nine salutations to the nine Choirs of Angels, promising his protection and care. Pope Pius approved Atonia’s vision and the Chaplet of St. Michael in 1851. 

We pray the St. Michael Chaplet to gain the Archangel’s protection in the battles of our lives and the one of our souls. We ask St. Michael to strengthen our bodies and souls against all evil, and grow in greater humility, relying on God instead of ourselves. Pray the St. Michael chaplet here!

Explore the story of St. Michael with A Catholic Mom’s Life:

Watch this video about the power of St. Michael’s intercession!

Enjoy traditional Michaelmas foods

Michaelmas refers to the feast of St. Michael. The traditional dessert is blackberries and angel food cake. 

Cultural legend goes that when Satan was cast down from Heaven, he landed in a blackberry bush. Upon falling into the thorny brush, he became enraged, scorching them with his fiery breath, making them bitter and unsuitable for eating. According to the legend, this explains why blackberries naturally sour in late September. 

Try out this recipe for blackberry pie or this angel food cake with blackberry compote!

Decorate with Michaelmas daisies 

Michaelmas daisies, otherwise known as asters, are a small, delicate perennial. They are a great transitional plant from summer to fall, available in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, white, and even blue. 

Create a hedge of protection around your home with the floral namesake or gather a vaseful for your table.