Micael liturgical calendar

5. Festivals and Popular Traditions

29 September - Feast of the Holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

The date of 29 September is one of the most solemn anniversaries in the Christian calendar, dedicated to the celebration of the three main archangels: Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Initially, this feast day was exclusively dedicated to St Michael, in memory of the dedication of the basilica named after him on the Via Salaria in Rome in the 5th century. Following the liturgical reform of 1969, the feast was extended to include Gabriel and Raphael.

St Michael is celebrated as defender of God's people, St Gabriel as messenger of great revelations (such as the Annunciation to Mary), and St Raphael as guide and healer, as recounted in the Book of Tobias. The feast on 29 September emphasises the function of angels as ministers of God on behalf of humanity.

8 May - Apparition of St Michael on Mount Gargano

On 8 May, we celebrate the oldest feast of St Michael in the West: the apparition of St Michael on Mount Gargano in Apulia, which, according to tradition, took place in the year 490. This feast day is linked to four miraculous events narrated in the Liber de apparitione Sancti Michaelis, including the miraculous consecration of the grotto and the protection of the town of Siponto from an invasion.

The event gave rise to one of Europe's main Michaelic shrines, transforming Monte Sant'Angelo into a pilgrimage centre of international significance. Even today, 8 May is still experienced with intense popular devotion and solemn liturgical rites.

8 November - Synaxis of the Archangels (Eastern tradition)

In the Eastern Church (Byzantine and Orthodox), 8 November is dedicated to the Synaxis of Michael and all the Celestial Powers, a feast that honours the entire angelic world with special emphasis on St Michael's role as the leader of the heavenly armies. The word 'synaxis' indicates a solemn liturgical assembly, which brings the faithful together to praise and invoke the protection of the angels.

In the Byzantine liturgical context, this feast is celebrated with great solemnity and includes hymns, litanies and prayers taken from traditional liturgical texts such as the Menaion. St Michael is invoked as Archistrategos, the great commander of the angelic hosts, and defender of the Christian faith.

Multimedia Content

Images

Statue of St Michael Archangel - Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome

Learn more about the history of the statue located on top of the castle:

St. Michael crushing the dragon - Guido Reni (1635)

The famous painting exhibited in the church of Santa Maria Immacolata dei Cappuccini in Rome:

Cave of the Sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo (FG)

Information on the sanctuary's sacred cave:

Fa ade of the Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo - Monte Sant'Angelo

Images of the main fa ade of the Sanctuary:

Miniature of Saint Michael Archangel - Fra Angelico (1424-1430)

Details on the miniature preserved in the Museo di San Marco in Florence:

Video

The feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael - TV2000

Insight into the 29 September celebration:

The apparition of Saint Michael Archangel at Monte Sant'Angelo - TV2000

Documentary on the apparition of the Archangel Michael:

The Apparition of Saint Michael Archangel at Monte Sant'Angelo - Istituto Luce

Historical video on the apparition of the Archangel Michael:

Iconography of Archangel Michael - Gioia Bertelli

Presentation on the iconographic representation of the Archangel Michael:

Sources and references

Cathopedia - Feast of the Holy Archangels

Wikipedia - St. Michael the Archangel

Santuariosanmichele.it - The four apparitions on the Gargano

Veritatemincaritate.it - Meaning of the Michaelic feasts

OrthodoxWiki - Synaxis of the Archangels

St Michael's Way - Eastern and Western liturgical traditions

5.1.2 Historical origins of anniversaries

Apparitions on the Gargano - Liber de apparitione Sancti Michaelis

The oldest and most influential of the Micaelic celebrations in the West has its origin in the apparitions of St Michael on Mount Gargano in Apulia, which traditionally took place between 490 and 493 AD. These events are narrated in the Liber de apparitione Sancti Michaelis, a hagiographic text dating back to the 6th century.

The story is divided into three main episodes:

1. The shepherd and the bull: a shepherd finds his bull missing inside a mysterious cave. In an attempt to shoot it with an arrow, the man is wounded by a return shot, an event interpreted as supernatural.

2. The intervention against the invaders: during an enemy attack, the Archangel appears and leads the Sipontines to victory.

3. The consecration of the grotto: Bishop Lorenzo Maiorano is told by the Archangel that it will not be necessary to consecrate the grotto, as it is already sanctified by his presence.

These narratives turned the Gargano cave into Europe's first great micaelico sanctuary, attracting pilgrims, kings and saints for centuries.

Church dedication and the spread of worship

The importance of the apparitions on the Gargano favoured the spread of the cult of St Michael throughout Europe. Many churches were built in his honour, often in high places or near caves, evoking the original setting.

The main places dedicated to the Archangel include:

Monte Sant'Angelo (Italy) - first and most famous micaelico sanctuary.

Mont-Saint-Michel (France) - founded according to tradition in 708 on divine inspiration.

Sacra di San Michele (Italy) - important Longobard abbey in the Susa Valley.

The cult also spread to Ireland (Skellig Michael), England (St Michael's Mount) and throughout the Mediterranean basin. Churches named after St Michael often became symbols of protection, power and justice.

Influence of popes and councils on the timing of festivals

The liturgical formalisation of the Michaelic feasts is the result of a centuries-long process of ecclesiastical reception.

Pope Gelasius I (492-496) introduced a feast dedicated to St Michael in the Roman Church.

The feast on 29 September arose from the commemoration of the dedication of St Michael's basilica on the Via Salaria.

Although 8 May had a more local spread, it was incorporated into the liturgical calendar in many areas of southern Italy, and kept as its own feast in the Tridentine Mass.

The 1969 liturgical reform, ordered by the Second Vatican Council, unified the celebration of the three archangels (Michael, Gabriel, Raphael) on a single date, 29 September.

Local councils and regional synods also helped to promote the cult, integrating it with popular spirituality and strengthening its theological dimension.

Multimedia Content

Images

Sanctuary of St Michael Archangel - Monte Sant'Angelo

View of the sacred cave, heart of the Micael cult in Italy.

Mont Saint-Michel - Normandy, France

Panoramic view of the abbey located on a tidal islet, symbol of the Micaelic cult in France.

Map of the Sacra di San Michele Line

Graphic representation of the seven aligned shrines dedicated to the Archangel Michael, from Scotland to Israel.

Miniature of the Liber de apparitione Sancti Michaelis

Medieval illustration depicting the apparitions of the Archangel on Mount Gargano.

Video

The Apparition of St Michael Archangel at Monte Sant'Angelo

TV2000 report on the Archangel's apparitions on the Gargano.

The Sacra di San Michele - Susa Valley

Virtual tour of the ancient abbey dedicated to the Archangel Michael, located in Piedmont.

The Cave of San Michele - Monte Sant'Angelo

Insight into the shrine and its importance in Micaelite devotion.

Sources and References

Liber de apparitione Sancti Michaelis - Latin hagiographic text (6th century)

Santuariosanmichele.it - History and miracles of the Sanctuary

Cathopedia - St Michael and the Roman liturgy

Encyclopaedia of Saints - A. Vauchez

Vatican.va - Liturgical Reform and the Roman Calendar

Wikipedia - Monte Sant'Angelo, Mont-Saint-Michel, Sacra di San Michele

TV2000 - Video archive on Michaelic devotion

5.1.3 Liturgical and symbolic aspects of celebrations

Mass proper and liturgical offices (Roman, Byzantine, Ambrosian rite)

In the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church, Saint Michael the Archangel is commemorated with a

proper Mass and specific liturgical formulas, which vary according to the rite.

In the Roman Rite, the celebration of 29 September commemorates the three archangels (Michael, Gabriel and

Raphael) with texts from the Apocalypse and the Gospel of John. The collection invokes the protection of the heavenly spirits and the liturgy emphasises Michael's role in the fight against evil.

In the Ambrosian rite, prevalent in the archdiocese of Milan, the figure of St Michael is celebrated in a similar way, with liturgical texts inspired by spiritual combat. Here too, the emphasis is on the custody and defence of the Church.

In the Byzantine rite, the Synaxis of the Archangels (8 November) is one of the most solemn angelic commemorations. Hymns from the Menaion, prayers rich in cosmic and celestial imagery, are used, and the Archangel Michael is invoked as Archistrategos, the great commander of the angelic hosts.

Specific prayers (e.g. Prayer to St Michael by Leo XIII)

Among the most famous prayers dedicated to St Michael is the one composed by Pope Leo XIII in 1886, at the end of Mass:

"Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our help against the wickedness and snares of the devil...".

This prayer was made compulsory in all masses until 1964, in response to a dramatic vision the Pope had, in which the Church was under attack by the forces of evil. Today it is often recited privately by the faithful, especially in times of spiritual difficulty.

Other popular prayers to St Michael include novenas, litanies and supplications, many of which are related to exorcism worship and personal and family protection.

Symbology (sword, scales, light, spiritual struggle)

St Michael is universally recognised for his warrior and luminous iconography, strongly linked to the following symbols:

The sword: represents the fight against evil, the power of divine justice and the defence of the righteous.

The scales: a symbol of the judgement of souls, Michael is often depicted weighing souls at the moment of death.

Light: emblem of the divine presence, often associated with the Archangel in accounts of his appearances.

The breastplate and shield allude to his function as protector of Christians and leader of the heavenly militia.

These elements help reinforce the role of St. Michael as a model of a spiritual fighter, a reference for all the faithful in the fight against temptation and sin.

Multimedia Content

Images

Statue of St Michael Archangel with sword and scales

Iconographic representation of the Archangel as judge and warrior.

Byzantine Icon of St Michael Archangel

Example of Byzantine art depicting the Archangel with symbolic attributes.

Medieval miniature of St. Michael with scales and sword (Codex Gigas)

Historical illustration of the Archangel in the role of judge of souls.

Video

Prayer Exorcism to St Michael Archangel - Pope Leo XIII

Video presenting the prayer composed by Pope Leo XIII.

Representations of St Michael Archangel in art

Exploration of the various artistic depictions of the Archangel over the centuries.

The Sacra di San Michele - Virtual Tour

Guided tour of the ancient abbey dedicated to the Archangel Michael, located in Piedmont.

Sources and References

Roman Missal - Italian edition CEI, 2020

Liturgy of the Hours - Volume IV, Feast of the Holy Archangels

Orthodox Menaion - texts from the Synaxis of the Archangels

Pope Leo XIII, Exorcismus in Satanam et Angelos Apostaticos, 1886

Cathopedia - St. Michael in liturgy and theology

TV2000 - Thematic archive on angels and archangels in popular devotion

5.1.4 Differences between liturgical traditions

Latin Rite vs. Byzantine Rite

In the Latin rite, prevalent in the Roman Catholic Church, the celebration of the archangels (29 September) takes a solemn but sober form, with readings from Revelation, Psalm 137 and the Gospel of John. Liturgical iconography focuses on the role of St Michael as defender of the Church, and the liturgy often makes use of the prayer composed by Pope Leo XIII.

In the Byzantine rite, typical of the Eastern Churches (Orthodox and Eastern Catholic), the main feast day is 8 November, the date of the Synaxis of Michael and all the Heavenly Powers. The tone of the liturgy is highly symbolic, poetic and choral. Hymns from the Menaion are sung, and St Michael is invoked as Archistrategos, leader of the celestial armies. The entire celebration reflects a cosmic vision of the struggle between light and darkness.

Celebrations in the Orthodox, Coptic and Anglican Churches

In the Orthodox Church, the feast day of 8 November is one of the most solemn. Celebrations last the whole day and include vespers, matins and divine liturgy. The faithful address the archangels as powerful intercessors and protectors of creation, in a worship richly steeped in biblical and patristic symbolism.

In the Coptic Church, the figure of St. Michael plays a central role and is commemorated monthly, on the 12th of each month of the Coptic calendar. The 12th Paoni (June) is the main annual feast, and the Archangel is invoked mainly as the bringer of rain and fertility, a sign of syncretism with ancient Egyptian deities.

In the Anglican Church, the feast of Michaelmas (29 September) is one of the main feasts in the liturgical calendar. In addition to the celebration of the Eucharist, it is traditional on this day to hold Michaelmas Term, or the beginning of the academic and judicial year in England, testifying to the ancient link between religion, law and society.

Local syncretisms and parallel devotions

Over the centuries, the cult of St Michael has intertwined with pre-existing religious traditions, generating forms of syncretism. In many rural Italian and Mediterranean regions, the Archangel has taken the place of ancient mountain or warlike deities.

In Apulia, St Michael inherited traits of the pagan cult of mountain and fertility-related deities.

In Latin America, its cult merged with elements of indigenous religions, taking on meanings related to protection from evil.

In Ethiopia, the Archangel Michael is considered one of the most powerful saints and his feast day of 12 Hedar (November) is followed by processions, singing and pilgrimages, in a liturgical style characteristic of the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition.

These forms of devotion reflect the extraordinary ability of the Micaelic cult to adapt to local cultures, maintaining the core of the Christian faith and enriching itself with popular elements.

Multimedia Content

Images

Byzantine icon of the Synaxis of the Archangels - Central Russia

Icon depicting the archangels Michael and Gabriel, an example of Byzantine art.

Coptic procession in honour of St Michael - Cairo, Egypt

Image of a Coptic procession dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel.

Anglican celebrants for Michaelmas - England

Photograph of an Anglican celebration during Michaelmas.

Orthodox icon of the Synaxis of the Archangels

Traditional depiction of the archangels in the Orthodox liturgy.

Icon of the Synaxis of the Archangels - Orthodox Diocese

Image used in the celebration of the Synaxis of the Archangels.

Video

The cult of St Michael - with Marcello Carrozzo

Documentary exploring the role of St Michael in Coptic tradition.

Michaelmas - A Holiday We Forgot About| History

Video illustrating Michaelmas celebrations in the English context.

The Sacra di San Michele - Documentary

Insight into the Sacra di San Michele, an important place of worship dedicated to the Archangel.

Sources and References

Byzantine Menaion - Liturgical texts of the Orthodox Church

Synaxarium Copto - Coptic Feast Calendar

Book of Common Prayer (Anglican) - Michaelmas section

Encyclopaedia Treccani - Religious syncretisms

Cathopedia - Eastern rites and angelic festivals

TV2000 - 'Angels between heaven and earth' series

5.1.5 Michaelmas festivals around the world

Celebrations in Italy

In Italy, devotion to Saint Michael the Archangel is widespread and deep-rooted, with numerous patronal festivals and liturgical celebrations:

Monte Sant'Angelo (FG) - It is the heart of the micaelico cult in Europe. On 8 May and 29 September, the town comes alive with processions, vigils, solemn masses and a continuous stream of pilgrims to the Grotto of the Archangel.

Caltanissetta (Sicily) - Here, San Michele is the town's patron saint. Every September, the 'festa grande' is held, with parades of Sicilian carts, marching bands and historical re-enactments. The simulacrum of the Archangel is carried in procession through the streets of the centre.

Caserta - At the hamlet of Casolla, the cult of St Michael is linked to the Lombard tradition. The patronal feast is celebrated with religious rites and cultural events, keeping alive the link between devotion and local identity.

France - Mont-Saint-Michel

The sanctuary of Mont-Saint-Michel, located on a tidal islet in Normandy, is one of the most famous places dedicated to the Archangel. The feast day of 29 September is celebrated with solemn masses, organ concerts, guided tours and moments of community prayer.

According to tradition, it was the Archangel himself who appeared to St Aubert, Bishop of Avranches, asking for the sanctuary to be built in the year 708. Today, the site is a UNESCO heritage site and a European spiritual symbol.

Ireland - Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael is a rocky islet off the southwest coast of Ireland, where Celtic monks settled as early as the 6th century. The site is dedicated to St Michael and is a model of spiritual asceticism and monastic isolation.

Every year, on 29 September, pilgrims and tourists visit the island to honour the Archangel. The experience of climbing the ancient steps is experienced as a penitential walk.

Other European and Latin American contexts

In England, Michaelmas is celebrated not only with liturgy, but also as the opening of the academic and judicial term. Some villages organise agricultural fairs and traditional lunches.

In Germany and Austria, devotion to St Michael is expressed through dedicated parishes, protective statues in church towers and community celebrations.

In Latin America, especially in Mexico, Colombia and Guatemala, St Michael is invoked as a protector against evil and social dangers. Festivities include traditional dances, processions, masses and fireworks displays.

Multimedia Content

Images

Procession at Monte Sant'Angelo - Feast of 8 May

Representation of the procession in honour of St Michael Archangel at Monte Sant'Angelo.

The 'descent' of San Michele in Caltanissetta

Image of the traditional 'descent' of the statue of St Michael during the festivities in Caltanissetta.

Mont-Saint-Michel at sunset - Normandy, France

Panoramic view of Mont-Saint-Michel, one of the most iconic places dedicated to Saint Michael.

Ancient steps of Skellig Michael - Ireland

Photograph of the steps leading up to the monastery on Skellig Michael, a UNESCO site in Ireland.

Video

Procession of St Michael Archangel in Monte Sant'Angelo

Video of the procession in honour of St Michael Archangel in Monte Sant'Angelo.

Exploring Mont Saint Michel - Normandy, France

Tour of the Gothic abbey of Mont Saint Michel, one of the most iconic places dedicated to Saint Michael.

Skellig Michael - Monastery on the Edge of the World

Documentary on the history of Skellig Michael Monastery, a UNESCO site in Ireland.

Fiesta patronal de San Miguel Arc ngel - Mexico

Celebration of the patronal feast of San Miguel Arc ngel in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

Sources and References

Santuariosanmichele.it - Monte Sant'Angelo and patronal celebrations

Municipality of Caltanissetta - Religious festivities archive

Centre des Monuments Nationaux - Mont-Saint-Michel

Heritage Ireland - Skellig Michael

Cathopedia - Michaelmas and Anglo-Saxon Holidays

TV Azteca - Special on San Miguel en M xico

5.1.6 Spiritual value and contemporaneity of celebrations

Current meaning of the struggle between good and evil

In the contemporary context, the figure of St Michael the Archangel retains a profound relevance, especially for his symbolic role as defender of good against evil. In a society marked

from conflicts, insecurities and value crises, the image of the Archangel fighting the dragon - taken from the Apocalypse - speaks to the collective conscience of justice, protection and discernment.

The 'spiritual struggle' today translates into resistance to moral evil, lies, violence and indifference. St Michael becomes a symbol of spiritual resistance, inner strength and trust in divine intervention.

Community participation and renewed devotion

In many communities, the feasts dedicated to Saint Michael still represent strong moments of aggregation and religious identity. Involvement in the celebrations - be they processions, solemn masses or cultural events - brings together believers of all ages, contributing to social cohesion.

In recent years, a renewed devotion has been observed, especially among young people and ecclesial movements, who rediscover in Saint Michael a figure of spiritual guidance and protection. Pilgrimages, novenas, Michaelic journeys, and prayer initiatives, including online, are multiplying.

The feast as an opportunity for catechesis and witnessing

The celebrations in honour of St Michael offer numerous opportunities for catechesis and deepening the faith. Homilies during masses, moments of guided prayer and training courses are tools for educating in the sense of the angelic presence, spiritual struggle and Christian engagement in society.

Moreover, the festival becomes a public testimony of faith, especially in secularised contexts: processions, representations and cultural initiatives show how religious tradition can dialogue with current events and bring a positive message into the social debate.

Multimedia Content

Images

Eucharistic celebration in Solofra in honour of St Michael Archangel

Prayer Vigil in preparation for the feast of St Michael the Archangel

Video

Testimony on devotion to St Michael the Archangel

John Paul II explains St Michael and the fight against the Devil

Sources and References

Catechism of the Catholic Church -    328-336 (Doctrine on Angels)

Pope Francis' messages on angels and spiritual struggle

TV2000 - Special programmes on St Michael Archangel

St Michael's Way - Pastoral initiatives and pilgrimages

Avvenire, L'Osservatore Romano - Articles on popular religiosity and new devotions