St. Michael's Lent

Fr. Scott A. Haynes

Introduction

 

Saint Michael’s Lent is a little-known tradition within the liturgical calendar, originating with Saint Francis of Assisi. This period of prayer, fasting, and penance, which begins on August 16th (the day after the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary), and concludes on September 28th (the Vigil of the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel), offers an opportunity for spiritual renewal and deepening of faith. While it is not an obligatory penitential practice, there is a growing impetus to revive this ancient practice, to make reparation for one’s sin, and to pray for deepening conversion. According to Saint Lawrence Justinian, when we are devoted to Saint Michael and seek his protection, "he guards them through life, directs them on their way and conducts them to their eternal home."

 

The Origins of Saint Michael’s Lent

 

Saint Michael’s Lent traces its origins to the life and example of Saint Francis of Assisi, one of the most beloved saints in Christian history. Born in 1182 in Assisi, Italy, Francis grew up in a wealthy merchant family but chose a life of radical poverty and dedication to God. His spiritual journey was marked by a deep love for Christ, the poor, and all of creation, which eventually led him to establish the Franciscan Order.

 

In his biography of Saint Francis, Saint Bonaventure, the eminent theologian and Doctor of the Church, recounts how Francis was deeply moved by a desire to imitate the life of Christ. This desire culminated in his receiving the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, while on retreat on Mount La Verna in 1224. The period leading up to this miraculous event was marked by intense prayer and fasting, which Saint Francis observed annually during what became known as Saint Michael’s Lent.

 

Saint Bonaventure writes in his "Major Life of Saint Francis" (Legenda Maior):

"As the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was approaching, Francis, as was his custom, began a forty-day fast in her honor, on Mount La Verna. While he was staying there, he was caught up in God by an ever more intense fire of heavenly desires, and he began to experience more abundantly the gifts of divine contemplation." (Legenda Maior, Chapter XIII).

 

Saint Francis chose this period between the Assumption and the Feast of Saint Michael because it was traditionally a time of preparation and spiritual warfare, seeking the protection of the Archangel Michael, the leader of the heavenly hosts. The Archangel's feast day was a significant date for Christians, who saw Michael as a protector against the forces of evil. Saint Lawrence Justinian teaches us to honor the angels and especially Saint Michael:

"[W]e ought to invoke in a very special manner the glorious St. Michael, as the Prince of all the heavenly spirits, because of his sublime dignity, his pre-eminent office and his invincible power, which he proved in his conflict with Satan, as well as against the combined forces of Hell."

 

 The Spiritual Discipline of Saint Michael’s Lent

 

Saint Michael’s Lent is characterized by three main spiritual practices: fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. These practices, common to the traditional Lenten season, are intensified during this period as a means of deeper spiritual purification and preparation.

 

1. Fasting: Fasting during Saint Michael’s Lent is typically observed by abstaining from certain foods or meals, much like the fasting observed during the Lenten season before Easter. Saint Francis himself was known for his rigorous fasting, often subsisting on bread and water during his times of retreat. The purpose of fasting is not merely physical deprivation but a spiritual discipline that helps the soul detach from worldly pleasures and focus on God.

 

In "The Flowers of Saint Francis," a collection of legends and stories about Saint Francis and his early companions, it is recounted how Francis encouraged his followers to embrace fasting as a way to grow in holiness. One story tells of Brother Leo, who was asked by Saint Francis to fast and pray intensely during this period to receive divine guidance. This story illustrates the Franciscan understanding of fasting not as an end in itself but as a means to open oneself to God’s will. During Saint Michael's Lent, fasting can be approached in various ways, depending on personal circumstances, spiritual goals, and the traditional practices one wishes to follow. Here are some examples: 

Forms of Fasting

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These fasting practices, whether they involve food, media, or other aspects of daily life, are meant to help the individual detach from worldly distractions and grow closer to God. The focus should be on doing what will most effectively aid in spiritual growth, leading to a deeper relationship with Christ and greater receptivity to His grace.

  

2. Prayer: Prayer during Saint Michael’s Lent is also intensified, with a focus on contemplation and intercession. Saint Francis spent long hours in prayer, especially during this season, seeking a closer union with God. He often retreated to solitary places, such as Mount La Verna, to avoid distractions and fully dedicate himself to prayer. There are many ways to improve one's prayer life during Saint Michael's Lent: attending Mass daily, praying the daily Rosary, going to Confession regularly, and praying to Saint Michael:

Litany of Saint Michael

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The emphasis on prayer during this period aligns with the Franciscan tradition of contemplative prayer, which seeks to enter into the presence of God and experience His love and guidance. Saint Bonaventure describes Francis’s prayer life during Saint Michael’s Lent as a time when "the love of God burned in him like a fire, and he often withdrew into solitude to quench his thirst at the fountain of eternal life" (Legenda Maior, Chapter XIII).

 

3. Almsgiving: Almsgiving, or the giving of material goods to the poor, is another key practice during Saint Michael’s Lent. For Saint Francis of Assisi, who embraced a life of poverty, almsgiving was an expression of love for the poor and a way to share in the suffering of Christ. He believed that by giving to those in need, one could imitate Christ’s generosity and compassion.

 

In "The Flowers of Saint Francis," there are numerous accounts of Francis and his companions giving to the poor even when they themselves had very little. This act of charity was seen as an essential part of their spiritual discipline, helping them to live out the Gospel in a tangible way. Almsgiving during Saint Michael's Lent is about embodying Christ’s love and mercy in practical, tangible ways. Whether through financial means, time, talent, or personal sacrifices, each act of charity draws us closer to God and to those in need. Here are some ideas for ways to give alms during Saint Michael's Lent:

Ways of Giving Alms

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The Significance of Saint Michael’s Lent

 

Saint Michael’s Lent holds a special place in the spiritual life of those who follow the example of Saint Francis. It is a time of intense spiritual preparation, focusing on the themes of purification, protection, and divine guidance.

 

1. Purification: The practices of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving during Saint Michael’s Lent serve to purify the soul, removing obstacles to spiritual growth and drawing the individual closer to God. This period is seen as a time to cleanse oneself of sin and attachment to worldly things, making space for the Holy Spirit to work more fully in one’s life.

 

2. Protection: The association of this Lenten period with Saint Michael the Archangel underscores the theme of spiritual warfare and protection. Saint Michael is often invoked as a protector against the forces of evil, and observing this Lent is seen as a way to seek his intercession and protection. The spiritual discipline practiced during this time is meant to strengthen the soul in its battle against temptation and evil.

 

3. Divine Guidance: Finally, Saint Michael’s Lent is a time to seek divine guidance and discernment. Through prayer and fasting, the soul is more attuned to the voice of God and can receive His direction more clearly. Saint Francis’s own experience of receiving the stigmata during this period is seen as a powerful example of how God can reveal Himself in profound ways during times of intense spiritual discipline.

 

 Revival of Saint Michael’s Lent Today

 

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in reviving the observance of Saint Michael’s Lent, particularly among those who are drawn to the traditional practices of the Church and to the spirituality of Saint Francis. This revival is part of a broader movement within the Church to recover the ancient spiritual practices of the saints and Fathers of the Church that have been neglected or forgotten.

 

1. Personal Sanctity: One of the driving forces behind the revival of Saint Michael’s Lent is the desire for personal sanctity. In a world that is increasingly secular and materialistic, many Christians are seeking ways to deepen their spiritual lives and grow in holiness. Saint Michael’s Lent offers a structured and time-tested way to do this, providing a period of focused spiritual discipline that can lead to profound personal transformation.

 

2. Communal Renewal: In addition to personal sanctity, the revival of Saint Michael’s Lent is also seen as a means of communal renewal. As more individuals and communities begin to observe this Lenten period, there is a potential for a broader renewal within the Church. By returning to these ancient practices, the Church can reconnect with its rich spiritual heritage and find new strength and vitality.

 

3. Spiritual Warfare: The theme of spiritual warfare, which is central to Saint Michael’s Lent, is also resonating with many Christians today. In a time when the Church faces numerous challenges and threats, both external and internal, there is a renewed emphasis on the need for spiritual protection and the intercession of Saint Michael. Observing this Lenten period is seen as a way to engage more actively in the spiritual battle and seek God’s protection for oneself and the Church.

 

Conclusion

 

Saint Michael’s Lent, with its rich history and profound spiritual significance, offers a powerful means of spiritual renewal for individuals and communities alike. Originating with Saint Francis of Assisi, this period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving provides a structured way to seek personal sanctity, communal renewal, and divine protection. The revival of Saint Michael’s Lent today reflects a growing desire among Christians to reconnect with the Church’s ancient traditions and to engage more fully in the spiritual life.

 

By observing this Lenten period, the faithful can follow in the footsteps of Saint Francis, drawing closer to God and experiencing the transformative power of His grace. Whether through fasting, prayer, almsgiving, or seeking the intercession of Saint Michael, those who observe Saint Michael’s Lent are participating in a time-honored tradition that has the potential to bring about profound spiritual growth and renewal.

 

As the members of the Church must ever fight against the onslaught of sin, the revival of Saint Michael’s Lent offers a way to return to the deep roots of spirituality practiced by our forefathers in the faith and to find strength and guidance in the example of the saints who have gone before us. Through this practice, the faithful can prepare themselves for the spiritual battles of today and seek to live lives that reflect the holiness and love of Christ.

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