Dcn Brigid Waszczak

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Happy Michaelmas! Today’s feast of St Michael the Archangel is also known as Michaelmas, especially in England where it is celebrated similarly to Thanksgiving with feasting on fattened roasted goose. Michaelmas comes from shortening Michael's Mass, in the same way Christmas derives from shortening Christ's Mass.

Michael is thought of as the greatest of the Archangels. (Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel—the last syllable in each name, -el, is Hebrew for God.) Patron of the sick, mariners, grocers, and law enforcement officers, Michael is usually depicted in full armor (with wings), carrying a lance, and with his foot on the neck of a dragon. Michael is a variation of Micah, meaning, "Who is like God," in Hebrew.

In the Bible, any angelic appearance almost always inspires fear. There is good reason angels begin their encounters by saying, "Do not be afraid." Michael really should inspire fear since in Revelation 12:7-12, he battled Satan (as a red dragon) and cast him out of heaven. From this story grew his reputation as a protector and defender against evil.

Michael is also the patron saint of countless churches, including le Mont Saint-Michel, the monastery half a mile off the coast of Normandy and one of France’s most recognizable landmarks. Legend holds that it was on this site where Archangel Michael won his victory over Satan.

I stayed on Mt St Michel. As part of an exchange program after high school, I lived with a French family for the summer. Amazingly, the father of my host family was the Minister of Tourism. In addition to their seaside summer home and Paris apartment, the family owned one of approximately 20 remaining residences on the island. Their 18-year-old daughter and I were sent to Mt St Michel for an annual house cleaning. We cleaned far less than we played, repeatedly sneaking into the monastery to explore its hallways, ramparts, nooks, and crannies.

I’d never before traveled on my own, let alone visited a foreign country. With only high school French to support my interactions, I took a train unaccompanied from Paris to Normandy. It scared the wits out of me. If ever I needed a protector, it was then! Luckily, I knew of St Michael the Archangel from my Catholic school days and constantly prayed for his accompaniment. I continued to rely on Michael’s help throughout college and my young adult years. Whenever I got into scary situations—like the car breaking down on a California freeway with an infant in the car seat—I called upon Michael to place his shield and sword between danger and me.

In fact, I still pray to Michael and still ask for his protection from my enemies… much as the psalmist petitioned God. Having a saint by my side calms and comforts me in difficult situations. Is there a favorite saint to whom you pray? I can recommend Michael!

Blessings,

—Dcn Brigid