The Dedication of St. Michael, Archangel (Michaelmas) / Feast of the Holy Archangels

1st class/feast

September 29

Also called “Michaelmas”, we honor St. Michael the Archangel, whose name means, “Who is Like God?” The new calendar celebrates the feast of the three archangels.

Attend Mass

On this day in the new calendar, Catholics celebrate the Feast of the Holy Archangels. This feast replaced the feast of the Dedication of St. Michael the Archangel (the traditional celebration called “Michaelmas”) after the liturgical reforms of the 1960s.

If you would like to attend a traditional Mass for the feast, find a Traditional Latin Mass near you (click here to explore).

Decorate the house with Asters/daisies (Michaelmas Daisies)

Decorating your home with asters is a beautiful way to honor St. Michael. Known as “Michaelmas daisies,” asters symbolize protection and faith, making them a fitting tribute to the Archangel Michael. This tradition reflects the angelic guardianship over our homes and lives. Reflecting on scripture, Psalm 91:11 reminds us, “For he will give his angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways.” As you adorn your home with these flowers, let it be a reminder of the spiritual protection offered by the Holy Archangels, who guide and defend us in our daily lives.

Cook roast Goose, St. Michael’s Bannock, and Blackberry Crumble; Apple Dolls!

Roast Goose with Apples (Serves 8)

A festive roast goose is a classic choice for special occasions, especially during Michaelmas. This version is paired with caramelized apples for a rich, savory-sweet meal.

Ingredients:

1 13-lb. goose (giblets and neck discarded, about 1 lb per person)
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 golden delicious apples, peeled and cut into 6 wedges each
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
6 tbsp sugar
¼ cup Calvados (apple brandy)
1½ tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions:

Prepare Goose: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Rinse the goose inside and out, then pat dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cut small slits all over the goose and insert the garlic slices into the slits.
Roast: Place the goose breast-side down on a rack in a large roasting pan. Roast for 2 hours and 45 minutes, basting occasionally with the drippings. Skim off and reserve 6 tablespoons of the fat. Turn the goose over and roast an additional 45 minutes, or until the thickest part of the thigh registers 175°F.
Prepare Apples: While the goose roasts, toss the apple wedges with lemon juice in a large bowl. Pour the reserved goose fat into a 15 x 10 x 2-inch baking dish. Add the apple wedges and toss to coat. Sprinkle with sugar, Calvados, and cinnamon, then toss again.
Caramelize Apples: Roast the apples in the oven alongside the goose for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until tender and caramelized.
Serve: Let the goose rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve the roast goose with the caramelized apples. Pair with a robust Bordeaux for the perfect meal.

As you prepare this dish, engage your family with an apple tradition. When you cut an apple crosswise, you’ll see a five-pointed star inside, said to represent the Five Wounds of Christ. Try this with your children for a moment of fun and reflection.

Apple Dolls

Apple dolls are a whimsical craft perfect for children during autumn, particularly around Michaelmas. They shrink and wrinkle as they dry, creating little “elderly” figures that are fun to decorate.

Materials:

1 Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apple
Lemon juice or cider vinegar (for soaking)
Corn silk, cotton, or yarn (for hair)
Fabric scraps (for clothing)
Food coloring or cloves (for facial features)

Instructions:

Carve the Face: Peel the apple and carefully carve a simple face into the flesh. Don’t carve too deeply to avoid rotting as the apple dries.
Soak the Apple: Submerge the apple in a mixture of lemon juice or cider vinegar and water for 45 minutes. This will help preserve the apple and prevent excessive browning.
Dry the Apple: Hang the apple in a cool, dry place for 3 to 4 weeks. It will shrink and darken as it dries.
Decorate: Once dry, use corn silk, cotton, or yarn for hair, and paint or cloves for the eyes. Dress the doll in small fabric clothes for a charming display.

Make your apple dolls early enough, and they will be ready for Halloween, adding a touch of handmade magic to your festivities.

St. Michael’s Bannock

This traditional Irish bannock is a hearty, scone-like bread. It’s cooked in a skillet and perfect for celebrating the feast of St. Michael.

Ingredients:

1⅓ cups barley flour
1⅓ cups oat flour
1⅓ cups rye meal
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
2 scant tsp baking soda
2½–3 cups buttermilk
3 tbsp honey or brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup cream
4 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine the barley flour, oat flour, rye meal, all-purpose flour, and salt in a large bowl.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk and baking soda. Stir in the honey or brown sugar.
Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Shape the Bannocks: Divide the dough in half. Roll each half into an 8-inch circle, about ½–¾ inch thick.
Cook the Bannocks: Heat a greased skillet over medium heat. Brush one bannock with the egg and cream mixture and place it egg-side down in the skillet. Cook until browned, then brush the top side with the egg mixture and flip. Repeat until both sides are golden, turning the bannock multiple times. Repeat with the second bannock.
Serve: Slice and serve warm with butter and honey.

Blackberry Crumble

Blackberries are traditionally harvested by Michaelmas, as folklore tells that Satan cursed them after falling into a bramble patch. Celebrate the feast with this delicious crumble.

Ingredients:

6 cups fresh blackberries
⅓ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup all-purpose flour

For the Crumble Topping:

1⅓ cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup dark brown sugar
½ cup all-purpose flour
6 tbsp softened butter
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp salt

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F.
Prepare Blackberries: In a large bowl, gently toss the blackberries with granulated sugar and flour. Pour them into an 8 x 8-inch baking dish.
Make the Crumble Topping: In another bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, flour, butter, oil, cinnamon, and salt. Use your hands to mix until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the crumble topping over the blackberries. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the blackberries are bubbling.
Serve: Let the crumble cool for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of heavy cream.

These recipes and traditions offer a meaningful way to celebrate Michaelmas, combining delicious food with a bit of cultural and spiritual significance.

Get a St. Michael statue blessed

On September 29, the feast of St. Michael, Catholics can honor the archangel by having a St. Michael statue blessed. This tradition serves as a way to invoke St. Michael’s powerful protection against evil, as he is recognized as the defender of the Church and a leader in the fight against darkness. Getting a statue blessed on his feast day deepens the spiritual connection to his intercession, reminding the faithful of his role in safeguarding their homes and hearts.

Pray Novena to St. Michael

Say once a day for 9 days, especially beginning on 20 September and ending on 28 September, the eve of the Feast of St. Michael.

Saint Michael the Archangel, loyal champion of God and His Catholic people, I turn to thee with confidence and seek thy powerful intercession. For the love of God, Who hast made thee so glorious in grace and power, and for the love of the Mother of Jesus, the Queen of the Angels, be pleased to hear my prayer.

Thou knowest the value of my soul in the eyes of God. May no stain of evil ever disfigure its beauty. Help me to conquer the evil spirit who tempts me. I desire to imitate thy loyalty to God and Holy Mother Church and thy great love for God and men. And since thou art God’s messenger for the care of His people, I entrust to thee this special request:

(Mention your intentions here)

Saint Michael, since thou art, by the will of the Creator, the powerful intercessor of Christians, I have great confidence in thy prayers. I earnestly trust that if it is God’s holy will, my petition will be granted.

Pray for me, Saint Michael, and also for those I love. Protect us in all dangers of body and soul. Help us in our daily needs. Through thy powerful intercession, may we live a holy life, die a happy death and reach Heaven where we may praise and love God with thee forever. Amen.

End St. Michael’s lent and complete consecration to St. Michael

From the excellent Fisheaters.com:

In addition to keeping the pre-Easter Lent every Catholic keeps, St, Francis had the habit of making a second “Lent” every year, starting on the Feast of the Assumption and ending on the Feast of St. Michael. During this time, he would fast, abstain, and engage in penances and mortifications to discipline himself, acquire the virtues, and honor God. In fact, it was while he was engaged in this “St. Michael’s Lent” at La Verna on Mount Penna, Arezzo, Italy in 1224 that he received the stigmata (you can read more about this in Part I of “The Little Flowers of St. Francis”).

To emulate St. Francis and make the 40-day St. Michael’s Lent in his honor, in honor of Our Lady and of St, Michael the Archangel, and for the purpose of consecrating yourself to St. Michael on his feast day, do the following:

Obey the precepts of the Church, including attending Mass and going to Confession as needed.
Fast and abstain, as you would during Lent, from the Feast of the Assumption on August 15 to Michaelmas (the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel) on September 29 or otherwise make some daily sacrifice to God on those days.
Light a candle before an image of St. Michael, and pray the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel, all of the supplications and accompanying prayers (the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be), and the Litany to St. Michael every day from the Assumption to Michaelmas.
On Michaelmas, make the Act of Consecration to St. Michael the Archangel.

Note that the period between the Assumption and Michaelmas consists of 46 calendar days, but, as in the pre-Easter Lent, Sundays and holy days don’t count and aren’t penitential, so this devotion consists of 40 days’ worth of partial abstinence and fasting.

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

St. Michael defend us in battle. Be our safeguard 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, cast into Hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.

First Supplication:

Oh, Glorious Prince of the Angelical Armies, we implore you, come with all of the Celestial Court, help us to unmask all of the strategies that the enemy and his evil retinue of followers have plotted against the children of light.