St. Michael and the Passionists

[Icon of St. Michael the Archangel protecting the first Passionist Monastery at Monte Argentario, Italy]

PRAYER

God our Father, in a wonderful way you guide the work of angels and men. May those who serve you constantly in heaven keep our lives safe from all harm on earth.

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“Since the early days of the Church, the archangel has been venerated as the defender of God’s rights, helping Christians to be steadfast in their fidelity to God in times of trial. When living in the diocese of Troia, Paul of the Cross together with his brother John Baptist, visited the shrine of St. Michael the Archangel on Monte Gargano. His very special devotion to the archangel Michael increased during the building of the first retreat. A person under his spiritual direction told him how he saw “the glorious St. Michael, with sword unsheathed, surveying the walls of the retreat in an attitude of defending the Lord’s little flock”. In memory of this apparition an altar was erected in the first church to honour the archangel. The second retreat of the Passionist Congregation was dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, and his image was displayed in all the retreats.” 

- History of the Passionists, Volume 1, Fr. Fabiano Giorgini, C.P., p. 325

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In praising your faithful angels and archangels, we also praise your glory, for in honouring them, we honour you, their creator. Their splendour shows us your greatness, which surpasses in goodness the whole of creation. (Preface of Angels.)

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