Michaelmas: Sept. 29 - 2nd Blogiversary - Feast of the Archangels

Today is a very special day around here!

It is Michaelmas, or the Feast of St. Michael in the Traditional Calendar (further explanation of the older Feast), and the Feast of the Archangels in the Modern Calendar.  As you all know, or can tell, this blog is protected, and under patronage of St. Michael especially, but all the Holy Angels. So it is one of the most celebrated Feasts around here, hopefully I will get to go to Mass somewhere special today.

Blog Novena

Today also ends the "Blog Novena to the Holy Angels". I was hoping that I would be getting more posts done, but the fact that we travelled 4300 miles right in the middle of it sort of quieted some of its thunder. I still got a few posts out, but I am glad I highlighted the Angels, a topic that is sometimes "under-treated" by the Catholic blogosphere except in certain circles. I really wish I would have planned better and pre-written some stuff and scheduled them to post, but I honestly have been quite busy with travels, and the like. I will of course continue to make it a main focus on this blog, but I am glad in the very least I was able to get some info and resources to the readers.

Blogiversary

It is also the 2nd Blogiversary of this little blog adventure. I started it on this date for a reason, 2 years ago. A lot has changed in my life, in my spiritual life, and my understanding of the faith. Much of that is due to blogging and even more so to the people that I have met along the way. I don't want to make this day about me in anyway, so just know this fact.

So thank you to all my readers for their comments, emails, Tweets, and other forms of communication. I plan to continue this blog and my spiritual warfare. We need each other in the battles of everyday life, we cannot do it alone. I look forward to walking with many of you on our journeys.

A Very Special Announcement

Finally, later today I will be making the Very Special Announcement that I have been "teasing" since before the "Blog Novena" began. It is a project that is in the early stages of development and thought, but that I have been contemplating for a while. It is a culmination of the "Blog Novena" and of two years of blogging. It is something of a "new focus", at least in part, of what I want to do with this blog and my spirituality. It will be a "Blog Project" and not the focus of this blog, so we will see where it all goes. That announcement will be coming later today... so stay tuned.

"Then war broke out in Heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, but the could not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in Heaven. The huge dragon, the ancient serpent, which is called the Devil and Satan, who deceived the whole world, was thrown down to earth, and its angels were thrown down with it." - Apocalypse 12:7-9

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Novena in Honor of St. Michael and All the Holy Angels - Day 8

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Novena In Honor of St. Michael and All the Holy Angels

Eight Day:

Most noble Archangels, you who, under the comman of St. Michael, guard and protect the Holy Church, deign to deliver her from internal and external enemies. Watch over the Holy Fathe, as well as over all the children of the Immaculate Spouse of Christ, and in virtue of the Divine Blood, obtain for us the grace to live and die in the Faith, Hope and Charity of Holy Church, so that we may be eternally united with its august Head, Jesus Christ Our Lord.

(Optional prayer): 

O all ye Holy Angels, who contemplate unceasingly the uncreated beauty of the Divinty, in company with our ever glorious Queen, we present and offer to you this novena not only as a means of obtaining favors (here specify your request), but also as a reparation for our past ingratitude, and that of all men. Deign to accept it, O amiable Spirits, in union with the love and devotion of such saints as were especially devout to you, and obtain for us the grace to spend this life fervently that it may be be commencement of that blessed life which we hope to live forever with you in heaven.

O God, who with wonderful order has regulated the functions of angels and men, grant that those who always assist before Thy throne in heaven may defend out lives here on earth, through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

N.B.:
A novena may be made at any time of the year, with any form of approved prayers, of which these are. By this exercise, the faithful may gain an indulgence of five years on each day, and a plenary indulgence at the end of their novena under the usual conditions. - "Preces et Pia Opera," 409. 


This Novena is from: St. Michael and The Angels, TAN Books, 1977.
You can purchase the Book at Aquinas and More.

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Novena in Honor of St. Michael and All the Holy Angels - Day 6

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Novena In Honor of St. Michael and All the Holy Angels

Sixth Day:

Heavenly Virtues, who watch over the harmony of the material creation, you whose name signifies "Strength," have pity on our weakness, and obtain for us in virtue of the Divine Blood, the greace to bear with patience the trials of this life.

Saint Michael, the Archangel 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 Divine Power of God - cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits, who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

(Optional prayer): 

O all ye Holy Angels, who contemplate unceasingly the uncreated beauty of the Divinty, in company with our ever glorious Queen, we present and offer to you this novena not only as a means of obtaining favors (here specify your request), but also as a reparation for our past ingratitude, and that of all men. Deign to accept it, O amiable Spirits, in union with the love and devotion of such saints as were especially devout to you, and obtain for us the grace to spend this life fervently that it may be be commencement of that blessed life which we hope to live forever with you in heaven.

O God, who with wonderful order has regulated the functions of angels and men, grant that those who always assist before Thy throne in heaven may defend out lives here on earth, through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

N.B.:
A novena may be made at any time of the year, with any form of approved prayers, of which these are. By this exercise, the faithful may gain an indulgence of five years on each day, and a plenary indulgence at the end of their novena under the usual conditions. - "Preces et Pia Opera," 409. 


This Novena is from: St. Michael and The Angels, TAN Books, 1977.
You can purchase the Book at Aquinas and More.

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Novena in Honor of St. Michael and All the Holy Angels - Day 5

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Novena In Honor of St. Michael and All the Holy Angels

Fifth Day:

Invincible Powers, whose mission it is to remove the obstacles to the Divine will, and to overcome its enemies, defend us against attacks of the world, the flesh and the devil, and in virtue of the Divine Blood, render us victorious in our combats against this triple power.

Saint Michael, the Archangel 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 Divine Power of God - cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits, who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

(Optional prayer): 

O all ye Holy Angels, who contemplate unceasingly the uncreated beauty of the Divinty, in company with our ever glorious Queen, we present and offer to you this novena not only as a means of obtaining favors (here specify your request), but also as a reparation for our past ingratitude, and that of all men. Deign to accept it, O amiable Spirits, in union with the love and devotion of such saints as were especially devout to you, and obtain for us the grace to spend this life fervently that it may be be commencement of that blessed life which we hope to live forever with you in heaven.

O God, who with wonderful order has regulated the functions of angels and men, grant that those who always assist before Thy throne in heaven may defend out lives here on earth, through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

N.B.:
A novena may be made at any time of the year, with any form of approved prayers, of which these are. By this exercise, the faithful may gain an indulgence of five years on each day, and a plenary indulgence at the end of their novena under the usual conditions. - "Preces et Pia Opera," 409. 


This Novena is from: St. Michael and The Angels, TAN Books, 1977.
You can purchase the Book at Aquinas and More.

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novena in Honor of St. Michael and All the Holy Angels - Day 4

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Novena In Honor of St. Michael and All the Holy Angels

Fourth Day:

Supreme Dominations, you who have authority over all the Angelic Choirs, and are charged with the execution of God's orders, rule over our minds and hearts, and in virtue of the Divine Blood, help us to know and faithfully to accomplish the will of God.

Saint Michael, the Archangel 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 Divine Power of God - cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits, who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

(Optional prayer): 

O all ye Holy Angels, who contemplate unceasingly the uncreated beauty of the Divinty, in company with our ever glorious Queen, we present and offer to you this novena not only as a means of obtaining favors (here specify your request), but also as a reparation for our past ingratitude, and that of all men. Deign to accept it, O amiable Spirits, in union with the love and devotion of such saints as were especially devout to you, and obtain for us the grace to spend this life fervently that it may be be commencement of that blessed life which we hope to live forever with you in heaven.

O God, who with wonderful order has regulated the functions of angels and men, grant that those who always assist before Thy throne in heaven may defend out lives here on earth, through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

N.B.:
A novena may be made at any time of the year, with any form of approved prayers, of which these are. By this exercise, the faithful may gain an indulgence of five years on each day, and a plenary indulgence at the end of their novena under the usual conditions. - "Preces et Pia Opera," 409. 


This Novena is from: St. Michael and The Angels, TAN Books, 1977.
You can purchase the Book at Aquinas and More.

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Novena in Honor of St. Michael and All the Holy Angels - Day 3

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Novena In Honor of St. Michael and All the Holy Angels

Third Day:

Sublime Thrones, dazzling in your beauty, upon whom rests the Almighty and who convey His commands to the inferior Angels, obtain for us in virtue of the Divine Blood, peace with God, with our neighbor and with ourselves.

(Optional prayer): 

O all ye Holy Angels, who contemplate unceasingly the uncreated beauty of the Divinty, in company with our ever glorious Queen, we present and offer to you this novena not only as a means of obtaining favors (here specify your request), but also as a reparation for our past ingratitude, and that of all men. Deign to accept it, O amiable Spirits, in union with the love and devotion of such saints as were especially devout to you, and obtain for us the grace to spend this life fervently that it may be be commencement of that blessed life which we hope to live forever with you in heaven.

O God, who with wonderful order has regulated the functions of angels and men, grant that those who always assist before Thy throne in heaven may defend out lives here on earth, through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

N.B.:
A novena may be made at any time of the year, with any form of approved prayers, of which these are. By this exercise, the faithful may gain an indulgence of five years on each day, and a plenary indulgence at the end of their novena under the usual conditions. - "Preces et Pia Opera," 409. 


This Novena is from: St. Michael and The Angels, TAN Books, 1977.
You can purchase the Book at Aquinas and More.

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Novena in Honor of St. Michael and All the Holy Angels - Day 2

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Novena In Honor of St. Michael and All the Holy Angels

Second Day:

Bright Cherubim, you who are allowed a deeper insight into God's secrets, dispel the darkness of our souls, and in virtue of the Divine Blood, give that supernatural light to our eyes that will enable us to understand the truths of salvation.

Saint Michael, the Archangel 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 Divine Power of God - cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits, who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

(Optional prayer): 

O all ye Holy Angels, who contemplate unceasingly the uncreated beauty of the Divinty, in company with our ever glorious Queen, we present and offer to you this novena not only as a means of obtaining favors (here specify your request), but also as a reparation for our past ingratitude, and that of all men. Deign to accept it, O amiable Spirits, in union with the love and devotion of such saints as were especially devout to you, and obtain for us the grace to spend this life fervently that it may be be commencement of that blessed life which we hope to live forever with you in heaven.

O God, who with wonderful order has regulated the functions of angels and men, grant that those who always assist before Thy throne in heaven may defend out lives here on earth, through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

N.B.:
A novena may be made at any time of the year, with any form of approved prayers, of which these are. By this exercise, the faithful may gain an indulgence of five years on each day, and a plenary indulgence at the end of their novena under the usual conditions. - "Preces et Pia Opera," 409. 


This Novena is from: St. Michael and The Angels, TAN Books, 1977.
You can purchase the Book at Aquinas and More.

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Welcome to The Blog Novena to St. Michael and the Holy Angels

Today begins our Nine (9) Day exploration of The Angels, Spiritual Warfare, and the Ecclesia Militans. A Blog Novena to the Holy Angels. What that means is that for the next nine days, we will be praying, discussing, and learning about these various areas of our faith in honor of them as a gift from God. This will all culminate on the 9th day, September 29th - The Feast of the Archangels, with a very special announcement.

Promotional Video for the Blog Novena

I know that the St. Michael Novena traditionally starts on the 20th (yesterday) because the last day for the Novena is the 28th, the day upon which the Michaelmas Vigil occurs. So please don't think you have it wrong, I am actually the one taking the less traditional route here and having this "Blog Novena" run on a slightly different path. Since it isn't only a prayer novena, but more of a blog series and catechetical event, I figured that slightly altering the timing would help make this distinct from the St. Michael Novena itself. (I am leading that Novena as part of this series starting today.)

What this Blog Event is All About!

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St. Michael, the Archangel

So what is this special event, this Nine Day Blog Novena to the Holy Angels all about? Well, I started this blog in patronage to St. Michael and the other Holy Angels, 2 years ago on the feast of St. Michael and the Archangels. Through that time a lot of ups and downs have occurred on this blog, in my spiritual life, in the world, and in my family life. Since that time I believe I have become a more devoted Catholic, and I am also more aware of how much wonder and awesomeness exists in our faith that sometimes goes unknown because there is so much to learn and it can be a little overwhelming. I figured I would celebrate the blog's second anniversary with this catechetical series, if you will, on the Holy Angels.

Therefore, over the next nine days there will be all sorts of posts about angels, spiritual warfare, and the Ecclesia Militans (the Church Militant). Art, prayers, reflections, opinions, questions, etc... will be used to explore the world of spiritual protection which has been given to us by God as a guide and guardian to the gates of Heaven. I look forward to good comments and discussions in the comment boxes, and hope that if you have any questions, comments, or concerns you will let me know. Realize that I have neither the knowledge or time to write everything there is to know about these subjects in nine days, but I hope that each day you take something new.

A Very Special Announcement - September 29th: The Feast of the Archangels

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Finally, this nine day period, this series and novena are also meant to be a time of preparation. They are a run up not only to the 2nd anniversary of this blog, but also to a very special announcement I will be making on September 29th, the Feast of the Archangels. On that date, I will announce a new "project", of sorts, that I will be undertaking and asking all of you to join in on. So please stay tuned for that. It really will be an opportunity for this blog community to live out its namesake.

So enjoy the next nine days, and I look forward to all the wonder and splendor that is the world of:

Angels,

Spiritual Warfare,

&

the Ecclesia Militans

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Novena in Honor of St. Michael and All the Holy Angels - Day 1

The following Novena is in honor of St. Michael and All the Holy Angels. Angels are perfectly loyal servants of God who have been given to us as guides, protectors, and intercessors. Please consider praying the following Novena each day, with whatever private intention you seek, as well as the intentions of the Church, the Holy Father, and those intentions mentioned within the prayers.

The way to pray the novena is to pray the day's prayer, with the above intentions in mind, followed (if you desire) by the second prayer. This can be done at home, work, or in a church or chapel. You may also add to this devotion a Rosary, St. Michael Chaplet, private prayer, or other approved prayers.

Please feel free to link to this novena on your blog.

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Novena In Honor of St. Michael and All the Holy Angels

First Day:

Ardent Seraphim, you who dwell in the eternal home of love, unceasingly absorbed in the rays of the Sun of Justice, we beg you in virtue of the Divine Blood, to enkindle in our hearts the holy fire with which you are consumed.

St. Michael, the Archangel, and all ye Holy Angels, protect us in our combats, that we may not perish in the tremendous judgment of God.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

(Optional prayer): 

O all ye Holy Angels, who contemplate unceasingly the uncreated beauty of the Divinty, in company with our ever glorious Queen, we present and offer to you this novena not only as a means of obtaining favors (here specify your request), but also as a reparation for our past ingratitude, and that of all men. Deign to accept it, O amiable Spirits, in union with the love and devotion of such saints as were especially devout to you, and obtain for us the grace to spend this life fervently that it may be be commencement of that blessed life which we hope to live forever with you in heaven.

O God, who with wonderful order has regulated the functions of angels and men, grant that those who always assist before Thy throne in heaven may defend out lives here on earth, through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

N.B.:
A novena may be made at any time of the year, with any form of approved prayers, of which these are. By this exercise, the faithful may gain an indulgence of five years on each day, and a plenary indulgence at the end of their novena under the usual conditions. - "Preces et Pia Opera," 409. 


This Novena is from: St. Michael and The Angels, TAN Books, 1977.
You can purchase the Book at Aquinas and More.

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'Profound Depths' of Spiritual Warfare

Arn, Knight Templar | Photo

We all need a reality check. We all need moments of 'reset' where we evaluate the way we think, believe, and conduct ourselves. The past two days I have blogged about Michael Voris and NFP. I can't think of more hot-button issues than that except for maybe Chapel Veils/Mass Attire and The New Missal Translation. In doing so I have tried to be objective as possible, which as a human is of course colored with bias and opinion. Yet, I think that the spiritual battles we are in require us to seek truth and justice in anything that we do concerning the Faith and Holy Mother Church.

In over our heads...

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So, when I came across a post over at Abbey-Roads, it made me realize that sometimes we are in over our heads, regardless of how sincere and objective we attempt to be. Terry was talking about Anders Breivik, the Norwegian 'terrorist', but was addressing Spiritual Warfare in general. A statement he made really struck me:

Many aspire to be knight Crusaders in the spiritual battle, and many take up arms of their own making - completely on their own - and with misplaced zeal claim to be serving Our Lady, even proclaiming that the Blessed Virgin wears 'combat boots' amongst other types of war mongering analogies. Few of us living in the world really understand the profound depths of spiritual warfare however, and the humility and fidelity it takes to persevere in and through it - often amidst much tribulation and even through defeat after defeat.

How true is this? I don't think he was posting about me, or even bloggers like me... but he could have been. I discuss things like Voris, NFP, Spiritual Warfare, the Liturgy, things of the Faith that are of a very profound and important nature on my own accord. I, of course, hope to be serving Our Lady, and often make war-like analogies. Yet, as Terry says - do I have any understanding of the profound depths of spiritual warfare? I doubt it. Even if I do, I can't possibly possess the humility and fidelity it takes to persevere through it. I just can't - I am human and I am without much spiritual direction.

A sheep in ram's clothing...

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Dall Sheep

I am a sheep who purports to be a ram. I rush into battle with fellow sheep, from behind my screen, bashing my imaginary horns into other little sheep, in a state of delusion that I am somehow combating on the fields of war. Yet, although I may be sadly mistaken that I am some great warrior I am nonetheless locked in the throws of melee with something.

Terry quotes Fr. Angelo Mary:

This battle is not of flesh and blood but of principalities and powers. Catholics need their fortitude back, but we can do without the romantic pieties of externalist chivalry.

He is right, a sword and shield makes not a knight. It isn't the external but the internal. We need fortitude, we need to battle, but it isn't about blogs and words, it is about prayer and beliefs. Our Holy Mother said Yes and was obedient, she served her Son as both a Mother and follower. Our battles must be done not to externally prove our worth or belief, but we must battle internally so that we are drawn closer to her and God. Terry talks about the idea of Mary 'wearing combat boots' - I don't want to tangent and talk about where that quote comes from, but if you read my blog you might get the sense that I would say the same thing. Maybe I would have, maybe I do or did at some point. I would be wrong regardless. Our Lady wears a Crown of 12 Stars, and she had the moon under her feet and she was clothed with the sun. Marching into battle with the wrong idea is not only misguided, but possibly fatal in the worst sort of way.

Authenticity

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Fr. Angelo Mary says further:

What we need is Our Lady of Victory. We had better be careful about what crusades we call and the drums we beat and the pseudo-elites we try to create. Marian chivalry is a thing altogether different.

It is different. It isn't combat boots, it isn't ostentatious comments about war, battle, or fighting. Instead it is about humility, sacrifice, and love. Chivalry is about submission to love and beauty. Is all spiritual warfare or battle language bad or wrong? No, I dont think so or otherwise I would have to close my blog down this instant. (But what if it is?) People don't always appreciate Voris, myself, Shea, apologetics, etc... because of the strong tones we take. Sometimes they are right. Sometimes we wage and rage so hard against something that we miss the point entirely. Sometimes what is called for is a kiss and not a sword. Yet, sometimes a kiss is what deceives and kills. Hence, the profound depths of spiritual warfare. This isn't an easy thing in which to deal. This is serious and complex stuff. We cannot go it alone, and it is not for the weak of heart or spirit. I don't pretend to think I am anywhere near capable, but I have thrust myself in and now must 'swim or sink.' Therefore I must be honest with myself and my goals.

This is not to say that some of us can't play a vital role in the spiritual warfare that the Church, the Bride of Christ, faces. But, we must be authentic, we must be real. The strongest warriors, athletes, intellectuals all have one thing in common - they know and accept their limits and more importantly their weaknesses. By accepting those things that pull us away from the truth and our mission, we can compensate for those weaknesses. Hence, we must repent and reconcile our sins - The Church gives us a Sacrament and thereby grace to compensate and correct that which pulls us away from our Goal: Christ. When we are in need of Salvation we have a Sacrament - the Eucharist, to guide us on our path to Christ and Heaven. So you see, to be a knight, a warrior, a spiritual militant, we must accept our weaknesses and utilize our allies. This isn't about us, we don't do it alone, and rushing into battle waving a flag and a sword doesn't make us a spiritual warrior. Blogs, Tweets, and the such don't prove our humility or fidelity to the Church, all they do is shout out loud - all bark and no bite.

...but the Maiden...

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So let us who claim to be spiritual warriors do it authentically. If we blog about it, it rings hollow unless we actually do it. Attend Mass, receive the Sacraments, pray, fast, give alms, die to self, feed the hungry, clothe the poor, spread charity, defend the Church, humble our selves, and walk the path of the Cross. A knight is brave not because he slays the dragon, but because the dragon can so easily slay him. It isn't about the sword, but the sacrifice. Chivalry is not about the armor, but the maiden. The depths of spiritual warfare are profound, we cannot do it alone and if we try... well, we shouldn't. We must trust in God, appeal to Mary, seek protection of St. Michael and humble ourselves. We shouldn't pick up a sword expecting victory, but as a sign of our commitment to die for our cause. Those that live by the sword, die by the sword - it isn't a warning but a rule.

Our Lady of Victory - Ora Pro Nobis. 

Our Lady of Victory| MaryVictrix.com

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We will no longer use or post "Monastery Icons"

I am almost ashamed that I have never heard about this before, and that I have continually used icons by the company: "Monastery Icons." They apparently have some rather suspect beginnings and are really not Christian.

Here is info from the Orthodox Christian Info Center:

The following comments concern a business called Monastery Icons (http://www.monasteryicons.com). This company offers "icons" and other religious content that has a veneer of Orthdooxy, but which in fact is associated with Hinduism. Their products are spirituallly dangerous, and so Fr. Anthony Nelson, a Priest in the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, sent me these remarks.

They have one “iconographer” there who paints all their pictures (please, not icons). All are “blessed” with one of their occult rituals before being shipped, and they support themselves to the tune of several hundred thousand dollars per year selling the demonic things. Many Roman Catholic bookstores sell them but, happily, most Orthodox sellers of religious items have discovered who and what they are and no longer do business with them.

Please don’t buy their pictures—they are spiritually very dangerous.
+ + +
The following additional information was found on the Catholic Answers forum. Links are omitted because they would improve Google search engine rankings.

“Some books by the abbot of Light of Christ Monastery.

Magnetic Therapy: Healing in Your Hands
An Eagle’s Flight: Autobiography of a Gnostic Orthodox Christian
An excerpt from the above book can be read here: http://www.kalimandir.org/library/l...em=07_imeet.xml
There is a conversation with the Abbot (audio) available here: http://www.aaple.com/bookstore/
“A quote from this conversation:

“Abbot George is the founder and guiding spiritual source for the Light of Christ Monastery in Borrego Springs, Ca. He and Dr. Netherton sat together to discuss the Abbot’s views and beliefs with regards to the many faiths and religions that exist on the planet today. Abbot George is widely held to be one of the leading authorities on theology, philosophy, and spiritual constructs in today’s spiritual community. Among other dynamics, he discusses reincarnation as an established fact within the Christian faith and the presence of spiritual guidance as defined by the teachings of St. Thomas, one of the founders of the eastern Christian churches. His knowledge is extensive and deep and his presentation is inspiring.”

Another person sent me the following information about the alleged connection with ashram:

“My guess is that the folks selling the so-called “icons” don’t really want to advertise the connection between that and the ashram, for understandable business reasons. When I posted about the group at http://catholiclight.org, a reader explained that the “icon” biz had been taken over by a supporter in Ohio.

“At a Hindu forum, a member says he found out about the sect’s name change from “Abbot” Burke himself: http://p203.ezboard.com/fsrfwalrusfrm33.showMessageRange?topicid=50.topic&start=21&stop=40 (see bottom of page, a post dated 4/9/04).”

Please respect this decision, and please consider yourself the idea of not using these icons even in online postings. Icons are very spiritual items. They are not paintings, they are not painted or drawn. Icons are written, and just like the written word, the written image should explain and convey the Sacred and Holy. When something is not written properly, it can convey and deceive. I too would call these spiritually dangerous.

Please know that Icons are not paintings. I would always do research on any religious items I buy. This post goes to show you that sometimes we have to take the time to do things properly. The quick and easy can come back to haunt us... maybe literally.

For proper Icons please visit:
Skete.com
http://www.thehtm.org/catalog/index.php

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Bishop Paprocki: "We can and should say the prayer to St. Michael at Church"

Awesome News! Bishop Paprocki authorized the Saint Michael Prayer after Mass in Springfield for public recitation.

From the Master of Ceremonies of the Diocese of Springfield Illinois:

His Excellency the Most Reverend Thomas John Paprocki, Bishop of Springfield in Illinois, has authorized the public recitation of the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel - originally composed by the Holy Father Pope Leo XIII in 1886 - following the dismissal at the end of Mass and before the recession.

Cool huh? Here is part of a letter Bishop Paprocki wrote to the faithful regarding this matter:

One of Satan’s greatest assets is his camouflage, the belief that he doesn’t exist. Disbelief in Satan and the forces of evil leave us unable to resist them. That is why it is good to remember the Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel. We need to remember that each time we pray we work to defeat our real enemies, not each other, but rather the devil and his evil spirits...

In recent years, a number of parishes have begun reciting the prayer once more, and many individual Catholics have kept up the practice. Both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI have urged the faithful to pray it daily, and especially after Mass.

FTR - My wife and I Pray this Prayer after every Mass we attend. I know all the Canonical specifics regarding it, and know that it isn't a mandate any longer. Yet, because of my devotion and thanks for the protection of the Holy Angels, I spend moments after Mass seeking their specific intercession and protection. Bishop Paprocki having Prayer Cards printed for all the Churches and on the back has listed his vision for the Diocese:

Bishop Paprocki

I envision a local Church where Catholics seek to grow in holiness, attend Mass every Sunday and participate regularly in the sacramental life of the Church. I see Catholics, who love God with all their heart, mind and soul and love their neighbors as themselves. I see the faithful who bear witness to Jesus Christ in their daily lives and promote respect for all human life from conception to natural death.

I envision an abundance of vocations with priests sufficient to staff and serve our parishes with virtuous commitment. I see dedicated deacons, nuns, brothers and lay people teaching the faith, caring for the sick, reaching out to the poor and dying. I see communities where family life is valued, homes where mothers and fathers love their children and whose children love them. In short, I envision God's kingdom already foreshadowed in the life of the Church and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet in the Eucharistic feast.

Everything that I have described is attainable. The only real obstacle in our lives is sin. Original sin is our inherited condition. The spiritual treasures of paradise were forfeited by our human ancestors. While Jesus Christ's death and resurrection have restored the gifts of heavenly treasures for us, we also have to recognize that the devil, Satan, is real, and he will do everything in his power to deflect us from our goal, which is eternal life with Christ in His kingdom. This reality should not frighten us nor lead us to despair, for Christ is more powerful than Satan.

Prayer and the sacraments are an essential part of what Saint Paul called the "armor of God" in his letter to the Ephesians. The Saint Michael prayer can help us "stand against the deceits of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11) by "taking the shield of faith" (Ephesians 6:16). God permits us to be tempted by the devil but gives us the grace to resist him through prayer in our daily lives. We can and should say the prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel at church with the assembly or on our own during the day for spiritual protection for ourselves and for others.

May God bless our diocese and our mission with every grace we need to grow in faith, hope and love. May Saint Michael the Archangel protect us from all evil, harm and temptation.

Deo Gratias! Amen Bishop Paprocki, Amen!

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Prayer to Saint Michael, Archangel, Prince of the Heavenly Host

O glorious Archangel St. Michael, Prince of the heavenly host, defend us in battle, and in the struggle which is ours against the principalities and Powers, against the rulers of this world of darkness, against spirits of evil in high places (Eph 6:12). Come to the aid of men, whom God created immortal, made in his own image and likeness, and redeemed at a great price from the tyranny of the devil (Wis 2:23-24, 1 Cor 6:20).

Fight this day the battle of the Lord, together with the holy angels, as already thou hast fought the leader of the proud angels, Lucifer, and his apostate host, who were powerless to resist thee, nor was there place for them any longer in Heaven. But that cruel, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil or Satan, who seduces the whole world, was cast into the abyss with all his angels (Rev 12:7-9).

Behold, this primeval enemy and slayer of man has taken courage, Transformed into an angel of light, he wanders about with all the multitude of wicked spirits, invading the earth in order to blot out the name of God and of his Christ, to seize upon, slay and cast into eternal perdition souls destined for the crown of eternal glory. This wicked dragon pours out, as a most impure flood, the venom of his malice on men of depraved mind and corrupt heart, the spirit of lying, of impiety, of blasphemy, and the pestilent breath of impurity, and of every vice and iniquity.

These most crafty enemies have filled and inebriated with gall and bitterness the Church, the spouse of the Immaculate Lamb, and have laid impious hands on her most sacred possessions.

In the Holy Place itself, where has been set up the See of the most holy Peter and the Chair of Truth for the light of the world, they have raised the throne of their abominable impiety, with the iniquitous design that when the Pastor has been struck, the sheep may be scattered.

Arise then, O invincible prince, bring help against the attacks of the lost spirits to the people of God, and bring them the victory.

The Church venerates thee as protector and patron; in thee holy Church glories as her defense against the malicious powers of this world and of hell; to thee has God entrusted the souls of men to be established in heavenly beatitude.

Oh, pray to the God of peace that He may put Satan under our feet, so far conquered that he may no longer be able to hold men in captivity and harm the Church. Offer our prayers in the sight of the Most High, so that they may quickly conciliate the mercies of the Lord; and beating down the dragon, the ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, do thou again make him captive in the abyss, that he may no longer seduce the nations.



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History of this prayer:

http://www.stjosephschurch.net/leoxiii.htm

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The Battle for Heaven...

"From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by FORCE!" -Matthew 11:12 (NAB)

"Then war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, but they did not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in heaven." -Apocalypse 12:7-8 (NAB)

“Is – is he a man?” asked Lucy.

“Aslan a man!” said Mr. Beaver sternly. “Certainly not. I tell you he is the King of the wood and the son of the great Emperor-beyond-the-Sea. Don’t you know who is the King of Beasts? Aslan is a lion – the Lion, the great Lion.”

“Ooh!” said Susan, “I’d thought he was a man. Is he – quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion.”

“That you will, dearie, and no mistake,” said Mrs. Beaver; “if there’s anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they’re either braver than most or else just silly.”

“Then he isn’t safe?” said Lucy.

“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King I tell you.”
                   -The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe - by: C.S. Lewis

Saint Michael the 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 Divine Power of God -

cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits,

who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.

None of these quotations are very "Peaceful." This past Sunday, if you went to a Norvus Ordo Mass (Post Vatican II style Mass) you heard the Gospel of the Beatitudes. "Blessed are the peacemakers." Yet, why then are all these passages talking about war, battle, and strength? Isn't the way to heaven "peaceful?" Are we not supposed to turn the other cheek?

I think too often we take one phrase from the Bible or theological teaching and apply it to things and contexts for which it was never intended. Heaven may be a peaceful place, and as I described in the last post Jesus says we must become like children to enter into Heaven. Why then do these images exist? I think that for a long time the idea that we must become meek and lamb-like have been pushed at us, especially us men. I think we need to get a ferocity back, that of a lion or eagle so that we may enter the Kingdom of God.

I am not saying that we as men, or as people should become violent, mean, or abrasive simply to take on a persona of strength. True strength is witnessed many time through in-action as opposed to action but there is something to the idea of having a "Strong Persona." There is also something to the idea that we are currently "...in battle." We should not pretend as if the Devil does not exist or that evil is not a real and tangible thing. We must recognize that our souls are in a battle for salvation and eternal life. The best way to prepare for this battle is to believe in Christ, to live in his way and of course to go to Church and receive the Sacraments.

Men play a vital role in this. We are protectors of the family, of our society, and of ourselves. This does not mean that women have no place in this fight. Much as the women and children stood amongst the ranks of the men and the adults in the "Chronicles of Narnia" movie, here to on Earth they must battle against evil in whatever way they can. Yet, men possess the role on earth that more readily places them "in the line of fire."

We cannot fool ourselves into thinking that if we are quite, mild, meek, and peaceful that it somehow will ensure our ticket to Heaven. We are called to speak out, act out, and protect the virtues and principles of God. Whether we do this in politics, our careers, or even while raising our children, we must be vigilant and strong in our role. Predators prey on the weak. Think about the nature shows you have seen, and think about which gazelle or wildebeest get eaten? It isn't the aggressive or the fast, but instead it is frail and the weak. We cannot become those frail and weak animals, and we cannot allow our children to model themselves after such a person. So take up your arms, go to Church, receive the Sacraments, and take the Kingdom of heaven by force!!

**UPDATE**:
In light of what happened at Ft. Hood today... I thought about taking this post down, but I think that it actually is even more vital that this message be read. Evil does not hide, it does not lay in wait, and it strikes when we are most vulnerable. Fighting force with force isn't always the answer, and I am not promoting violence. What I am trying to say is that when evil attacks, turning the other cheek doesn't always work... sometimes it only gives them a second target. We must put on the armor of God and secure our place in his Kingdom.