Chaplet of St. Michael the Archangel
Updated: Mar 17
St. Michael the Archangel is a popular saint in Christianity, known for his role as God’s main defender and protector of the human race. He is traditionally depicted as a strong, handsome angel with wings and armor, wielding a flaming sword against Satan and evil forces. His physical presence signifies strength, courage, and justice, inspiring faith and devotion in believers around the world. His name, Michael, means "Who is like God?" He is heralded as an example of resilience and strength when faced with adversity or temptation. Whether prayed to in times of need or celebrated on his feast day, St. Michael the Archangel is an important figure in Catholic tradition and worship.
Over time, St. Michael's role has evolved to include tasks such as protecting Christians from evil forces and delivering divine messages from God. Venerated since ancient times, St. Michael is a protector of the Church and its faithful. He is inspiration for those seeking spiritual guidance or protection from harm. He is a messenger between mankind and divinity, providing divine guidance and comfort to believers in times of need.
One special prayer is the Chaplet of St. Michael the Archangel which is similar to a rosary, but with different prayers and a special beaded chaplet. It starts with an Act of Contrition. Then there are nine salutations - one for each choir of angels - followed by four Our Fathers to honor each archangel. The chaplet concludes with a prayer asking for St. Michael's assistance.
Sign of the Cross (In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.)
The chaplet begins with the following invitation: 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."
After each of the following nine salutations in honor of the nine Choirs of Angels say one Our Father and three Hail Marys:
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Seraphim may the Lord make us worthy to burn with the fire of perfect charity. Amen.(Our Father, Three Hail Marys)
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Cherubim may the Lord grant us the grace to leave the ways of sin and run in the paths of Christian perfection. Amen.(Our Father, Three Hail Marys)
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Thrones may the Lord infuse into our hearts a true and sincere spirit of humility. Amen.(Our Father, Three Hail Marys)
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Dominions may the Lord give us grace to govern our senses and overcome any unruly passions. Amen.(Our Father, Three Hail Marys)
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Virtues may the Lord preserve us from evil and falling into temptation. Amen.(Our Father, Three Hail Marys)
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Powers may the Lord protect our souls against the snares and temptations of the devil. Amen. (Our Father, Three Hail Marys)
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Principalities may God fill our souls with a true spirit of obedience. Amen. (Our Father, Three Hail Marys)
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Archangels may the Lord give us perseverance in faith and in all good works in order that we may attain the glory of Heaven. Amen.(Our Father, Three Hail Marys)
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Angels may the Lord grant us to be protected by them in this mortal life and conducted in the life to come to Heaven. Amen.(Our Father, Three Hail Marys)
Then pray Four Our Fathers. One in honor of each of the following leading Angels: St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael and our Guardian Angel.
Concluding Prayers: O glorious prince St. Michael, chief and commander of the heavenly hosts, guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirits, servant in the house of the Divine King and our admirable guide, you who shine with excellence and superhuman virtue deliver us from all evil, who turn to you with confidence and enable us by your gracious protection to serve God more and more faithfully every day.
Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ, that we may be made worthy of His promises.
Almighty and Everlasting God, Who, by a prodigy of goodness and a merciful desire for the salvation of all men, has appointed the most glorious Archangel St. Michael Prince of Your Church, make us worthy, we ask You, to be delivered from all our enemies, that none of them may harass us at the hour of death, but that we may be conducted by him into Your Presence. This we ask through the merits of Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.