St. Michael’s Lent, A Belated Look: It’s Never Too Late

What do you do if you stumble across St. Michael’s Lent and realize that the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15th has passed? Don’t worry. It's never too late to begin the devotion. I can’t count how many times I’ve encountered a novena or some other prayer and realized I was behind. My stomach clenches, and I get that dreaded “Oh no!” feeling. Not to worry. This devotion to St. Michael the Archangel ends on St. Michael's feast day on September 29^th. There’s probably plenty of time to try on the devotion and see if it resonates.

If you’re new to St. Michael’s Lent, you’ll find it a great way to prepare yourself spiritually for fall and the upcoming Advent season. These seasons are a perfect time to go deeper with my spiritual journaling. If you want to know more, you may want to read the previous three posts in this series.

A Devotion to St. Michael the Archangel

Many are familiar with St. Michael's victory over Satan. Some even carry small images or prayer cards with them as reminders of the saint’s powerful protection. I’ve been particularly fond of St. Michael most of my life, and today keep a statue of him by my desk as a daily reminder. I knew the devotion started on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, but I didn’t know that August is dedicated to Our Lady’s Assumption. With the start of St. Michael’s Lent happening in the middle of August, it’s like a rocket boost.

St. Michael's Lent: A Simple Pathway

For me, St. Michael’s Lent is a no-brainer. I immediately felt the pull as soon as I learned about the devotion. It’s only natural since I’ve felt a closeness to the great saint long before becoming a convert. The natural appeal of this devotion to St. Michael the Archangel is that it’s much lighter in tone and offers a way to get back on track and closer to God.

1. Fasting: Does this mean you have to go on bread and water for the next six weeks? No. Maybe instead of meat on Fridays, you can choose fish? It’s an older tradition but still valid. Or you could set aside some daily moments, free from distractions, where you reflect on the roles of Mary and St. Michael in your life.
2. Prayer: There are several simple but effective prayers like The Angelus, traditionally prayed three times a day, or, as I like, start the day with the Chaplet of St. Michael. Many people choose to pray this small but powerful daily prayer, St. Michael's Prayer.
3. Penance: I know penance is a scary word, but it’s easier than you think. Consider offering up the daily inconveniences and challenges that tend to occur in everyone’s life. Another act is to pay a visit, journal in hand, to the Blessed Sacrament.

Spiritual Journaling: a Path to Reflection and Discernment

Spiritual journaling is a perfect tool for encouraging reflective writing that helps discernment and spiritual growth. Consider opening a new spiritual diary dedicated to St. Michael’s Lent. You’ll come to look at the book as your silent companion. For the journal, go here: My Holy Hour: St. Michael the Archangel.

Meanwhile, here are a few prompts to get you going:

• Prompt 1: Journal your response to reading about St. Michael’s Lent. Are you attracted to the idea? Is this something you’d like to try?
• Prompt 2: Perhaps you want to start but aren’t sure how. Your journal is an excellent place to consider the various options discussed above. Write about them and see where they take you.
• Prompt 3: Have you ever felt as though you had some interaction with the angels? Journal about that moment and what happened. Do you remember your reaction? Does this memory inspire you to enter into St. Michael’s Lent?

Getting Started and Learning More

To begin your journey with St. Michael’s Lent, choose one daily prayer, consider attending a Mass, and explore your feelings through your spiritual diary. You can always add more as you move through the season.

I can’t express how encouraging it is when a reader wants to explore spiritual journaling and becomes a subscriber. For the new and exclusive journal prompts guide, go here: Journal Prompts for St. Michael's Lent.

You can also get a spiritual diary guide here: How to Use a Prayer Journal during Holy Hour.

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