Chaplet of Saint Michael

Did You Know?

• Antónia d'Astónaco, a Portuguese Carmelite nun, reported a private revelation by Saint Michael the Archangel in 1750.
• Saint Michael purportedly promised that those who recite the nine salutations daily would have an escort of nine angels as they approach the altar for Holy Communion.

Chaplet

The prayers of the chaplet are counted using a chaplet, similar to how a rosary is used. The chaplet begins with an act of contrition. After the Sign of the Cross, the invitation is recited: 'O God, come to my assistance. O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever, time without end. Amen.' Then one Our Father and three Hail Marys are said after each of nine salutations, each salutation honoring one of the nine choirs of angels. The first salutation invokes the Seraphim for the grace to burn with the fire of perfect charity. The second invokes the Cherubim for grace to leave sin and pursue Christian perfection. The third invokes the Thrones for a spirit of humility. The fourth invokes the Dominions for grace to govern the senses and overcome unruly passions. The fifth invokes the Virtues for preservation from evil and temptation. The sixth invokes the Powers for protection against the devil's snares. The seventh invokes the Principalities for a spirit of obedience. The eighth and ninth salutations are also included, though their specific invocations are not detailed in the notes. After the nine salutations, four Our Fathers are recited, honoring Saints Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and the Guardian Angel. The chaplet concludes with a prayer to Saint Michael. For those who recite the chaplet daily, Saint Michael reportedly promised his continual assistance and that of all the holy angels during life. Praying the chaplet is also believed to gradually defeat demons and gain a pure heart, thus delivering the petitioner from Purgatory, with these blessings extending to the direct family.