MARIAN HELPER • SUMMER 2024 • MARIAN.ORG 17 us by suggesting things to our imagination, which we o en call “inspiration.” In their spiritual form, we cannot see them but they can make themselves look like anything they want by manipulating our imagination or putting on a disguise — usually a human form; the images we see of angels with wings and halos are merely symbolic representations. God acts through His helpers to form a spiritual shield around us to safeguard us from temptation and the nasty tricks and snares of Satan and his demons. ey help us to resist the sins that could damage our souls and threaten our salvation. Saint Michael Among the saints and angels, St. Michael holds a prominent position in the ght against Satan and our protection against his wiles. When Lucifer, lled with pride and contempt, rebelled against God, it was St. Michael who cast him forever from the eternal gates. Saint Faustina had a special place in her heart for St. Michael. On September 29, 1936 — the Feast of St. Michael — St. Faustina was visited by St. Michael, who assured her of his special protection against evil. He told her, “ e Lord has ordered me to take special care of you” (Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, 706). A powerful, yet lesser-known devotion is the Chaplet of St. Michael. e chaplet was given by St. Michael himself to a Portuguese Carmelite nun, Antónia d’Astónaco, in 1751. He instructed her how to pray it, and to teach others about it, as well. He made three promises to all who faithfully pray the Chaplet in his honor: an escort of nine angels chosen from each of the nine choirs of angels when approaching Holy Communion; his continual assistance and that of all the angels throughout life; and, a er death, deliverance from Purgatory for themselves and all their relations. e rst time I prayed the Chaplet, I felt a great sense of peace and security. It was as if St. Michael had suddenly drawn very close to me and was reassuring me of his presence and protection. I began reciting the Chaplet of St. Michael as part of my morning prayer routine and since then I have rarely missed a day; it’s part of my stable of essential devotions. In practicing this devotion to St. Michael, I’ve received an additional and unexpected gi . I’ve not only grown closer to St. Michael, but also to the nine choirs, or groups, of angels traditionally recognized by the Church. e Chaplet includes nine salutations (like decades of the Rosary), each addressed to one of the choirs, and each asking for a particular grace. I pray that you discover the peace and security that I have in the Chaplet of St. Michael, and that you will introduce it to others as well. Together, we can stand strong against sin, temptation, and the in uence of evil, and grow in holiness and wisdom. May St. Michael guide and protect you always! Defend Us in Battle: e Promises of St. Michael and the Heavenly Angels by Marge Steinhage Fenelon (Marian Press, Product code B62-DUFL) is available on ShopMercy.org. ‘God acts through His helpers to form a spiritual shield around us to safeguard us.’ Fr. Chris Alar talks about the story of St. Michael.
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