Merry Michaelmas! Smell the feasting around the world ...

In the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I dedicated a Roman basilica to St. Michael, making September 29 the first date to honor our heavenly archangels. In medieval Europe, Michaelmas following St Michael’s Lent, became one of the four “quarter days” when rents were due, contracts renewed and harvest accounts settled. It marked the agricultural year end; with fairs, feasts and pilgrimages. The day honors the active, divine guardianships that oversee our earthly order.

• St Michael has appeared seven times to humans, allegedly. His name means “Who is like God,” who defends against evil and leads heaven’s armies (Revelation 12:7–9).

• St Gabriel has appeared four times to humans. He visited the prophet Daniel twice, Mother Mary at the Annunciation and Zechariah for the elderly Elizabeth’s pregnancy announcement (Luke 1). The angel's name means, Strength of God.”

• St Raphael appeared in the Book of Tobit in a sustained narrative to guide and heal Tobit’s blindness. Then he cured Sarah’s curse. His name means, “God heals.”

Pope Leo XIII’s famous vision in 1884 inspired the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel, underscoring the Church’s reliance on angelic intercession in spiritual warfare. St. John Paul II later urged Catholics to continue this prayer after Holy Mass, reminding us that the Archangels remain vital allies in the battle against sin and despair.

Michaelmas Customs

Around the world, Michaelmas traditions blend faith with daily life. After Holy Mass, processions and other devotions; let the feasting begin!

• Ireland & Britain: Purple Michaelmas daisies herald the feast, while geese are roasted to mark the harvest. Apple pies and dragon bread are made from the “first-flour” of the season. Once the feasting ends, sadly, students return to school.

• Germany: Families bake butter cookies and heavy, harvest “Michaelmas bread” using a mix of autumn grains. Bread wreaths are made from pesto, tomatoes and cheeses. Plum cakes and tarts are baked, with leftover fruits steamed and jarred as jams and jellies for winter and/or Christmas gifts.

• Italy: Pilgrims honor St. Michael at Monte Gargano, and then feast on roasted poultry, pastries, biscotti and tarts made of freshly gathered honey and apples.

Michaelmas reminds us that heaven’s messengers are neither legends nor myths. They are friends who lead our work, words—and like St Raphael—heal our wounds. This feast calls us to recognize their choir and honor their presence in our lives. Thanks be to God!

Prayer in Thanksgiving

O Archangels, before His throne you stand, attentive to God’s every command.
Thank you for your constant care, your silent strength, His answered prayers.
O Michael, guard us in our strife; boot Beelzebutt from our schools, home—life!
Your burning steel undoes their snare. It sizzles seeds that sprout despair.
O Gabriel, with message bold, awoke us to the arriving Lord.

With Mary’s womb and heaven’s grace; God picked His parents, time & place.
O Raphael, companion wise, your healing touch to Tobit’s eyes.
You trod the dusty miles ahead, to bless Sarah’s table, hearth & bed.
We thank God that you love His law; & for roads made straight, we never saw.
Stay near to guide & teach us more, to know the Christ, whom you adore.

Sources:

Catholic Culture (2026). Feast of Sts Michael, Gabriel & Raphael, Archangels.

Catholic Daily Reflections (2026). Feast of the Archangels. My Catholic Life!

When Is Michaelmas 2026? Sept 29 Date Guide | Guide Catholic