Hey there,
Here we are in the middle of Ordinary Time.
It started back at the end of May, after Eastertide. And will go until early December when Advent starts.
It may seem like there’s not a lot going on liturgically, other than some feast days here or there.
But there is something coming up in a couple of weeks. Something that I just learned about a few months ago!
Have you ever heard of Saint Michael’s Lent?
It’s not an official season of the Catholic Church. It’s not a special feast. You won’t even find it in the Official Liturgical Calendar.
But it’s growing in popularity … again.
I won’t go into the full story here … that’s covered in the resources below. For now I’ll just say that Saint Michael’s Lent was started by Saint Francis of Assisi back in the 13th Century as a period of prayer, fasting and penance, honoring Mary and Saint Michael the Archangel.
Just like Lent, Saint Francis’ mini-Lent lasted for 40 days (minus the Sundays) from August 15th, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, until September 29th, the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.
Thanks to Saint Francis and the Franciscans, Saint Michael’s Lent grew in popularity up until the 18th Century.
This week’s issue of Genuflect takes us through the history of Saint Michael’s Lent, what it is, and how to participate, as well as the Saint who started it, and the feast days surrounding it, The Assumption and the Archangels.
Saint Michael’s Lent is an opportunity to go above and beyond the daily minimum Catholic requirement and deepen your relationship with Our Lord. We’re still a couple of weeks away from the start, so you have plenty of time to decide if you’re going to participate … and how.
Also, take note that this year, the Assumption on August 15th is a Holy Day of Obligation so plan accordingly.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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The History of St. Michael’s Lent
To get the full background of Saint Michael’s Lent, you’ve got to start with Saint Michael the Archangel from the Bible and how he was perceived in medieval times. Then understand how Saint Francis’ devotion evolved to become 40 days of fasting, prayer, and penance.
St. Michael’s Lent | Around The Year
St. Michael’s Lent Explained
Leave it to Aleteia to provide a quick summary overview of this unofficial mini Lenten season.
St. Michael’s Lent: A Period of Fasting Observed by St. Francis of Assisi | Aleteia
A Video Introduction
Here Father Eric Anderson of St. Stephen Catholic Church in Portland, Oregon provides a video introduction on Saint Michael’s Lent.
What is St. Michael’s Lent? The Powerful Little-Known Tradition we Need For Our Times | ChurchPOP
How to Participate
Since Saint Michael’s Lent is not an official season in the church, there are no specific rules or guidelines to follow. If you’d like to participate this year, here are some ideas and recommended prayers.
Saint Michael’s Lent: Have You Heard of it? |Shalom Catholic Community
St. Francis of Assisi
Saint Francis of Assisi is one of the most recognized Saints. But you may not be aware of his full life story. Here’s an indepth look at his life, his conversion, miracles he performed, and the order he founded.
Who Is Saint Francis of Assisi? | Catholic World Mission
Celebrating The Assumption
This year, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a Holy Day of Obligation. So mark your calendar now! And check out this article from last year to learn more about this Solemnity that St. Francis used to kick off St. Michael’s Lent.
Celebrating The Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary | Genuflect
Getting to Know The Archangels
Saint Michael’s Lent concludes on the Feast day shared by all three of the Archangels. Here’s a look back at our coverage of the Archangels a few years ago. You’ll also find a link to the Novena to the Archangels, which you can plan to begin on September 20th.
Getting to Know The Archangels Better (And How They Can Help You) | Genuflect
Customs of Michaelmas
Nowadays Saint Michael shares his feast day with his fellow Archangels, Gabriel and Raphael. But that wasn’t always the case. St. Michael’s feast day was known as Michaelmas and here OnePeterFive goes into how we used to celebrate.
Forgotten Customs of Michaelmas | OnePeterFive
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