Editor’s note: The following was written by the prior for the Norbertine Fathers of St. Michael’s Abbey, who are asking Catholics to take part in their 9-day novena to St. Michael the Archangel. 

(LifeSiteNews) –– Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Throughout history, in moments of great darkness and distress, the faithful have turned to the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel, Prince of the Heavenly Hosts, defender of the Church, and protector of souls. Today, we are living in a time of unprecedented crisis. Truth is being distorted, moral confusion reigns, and the foundations of our society are crumbling. Our Church, our country, and our families are under relentless assault from forces seeking to divide and destroy. The breakdown of faith, the rise of godlessness, and the spread of evil threaten to overwhelm the world. In the face of this urgent crisis, we must once again call upon St. Michael’s powerful aid to stand firm in faith and resist the darkness surrounding us.

In response to these immediate and grave challenges, the Norbertine Fathers of St. Michael’s Abbey are issuing a solemn call to all Catholics to unite in a powerful Novena to St. Michael the Archangel in the nine days leading up to Michaelmas on September 29th. As the forces of darkness seek to undermine the very fabric of our Church, our nation, and our families, we must come together as soldiers of Christ, lifting our hearts in prayer and penance. Under St. Michael’s protection, we will confront the evil that threatens our society and the future of our children with unwavering faith.

You can learn more about the novena here.

A United Call for Divine Assistance

We ask that you unite your prayers, penances, and sacrifices with those of our community during this period of spiritual warfare. By uniting your spiritual work with ours, we will together strengthen our plea for divine assistance, beseeching the Lord to send St. Michael and his heavenly hosts to defend us in this hour of need. Whether through fasting, abstinence, or acts of charity, every personal sacrifice becomes a powerful weapon in this spiritual battle

Our goal is to prepare well for St. Michael’s feast day this year, so that on that sacred day, we may ask him to show us his powerful intercession before the throne of God. As we turn our hearts toward Heaven, let us stand together, fortified in faith, with St. Michael leading the charge.

‘Be Our Protection…’

Throughout the nine days of this novena, members from our community will offer reflections exploring the importance of spiritual warfare and the real, extraordinary impact of prayer and fasting—in our lives and in the world. These reflections will include short talks delivered by Norbertine confreres, broadcast live from our abbey church, and a livestreamed roundtable discussion featuring Fr. Chad Ripperger and Gabriel Castillo. For those near the abbey, there will be a special program of retreats, holy hours, and even a free organ recital in honor of the victory of St. Michael.

A Center for Pilgrimage

Beyond its rich significance to the universal Church, devotion to St. Michael is deeply rooted in our own community. Our mother abbey in Csorna, Hungary, was a center of this devotion for eight centuries.

Today, St. Michael’s Abbey is not only a spiritual stronghold for our community but also a place of pilgrimage for those who seek the intercession of St. Michael. Pilgrims from near and far come to honor the Archangel, to pray for protection, and to find strength in his example of unwavering fidelity to God. As a center of devotion, the abbey continues to bear witness to the enduring power of St. Michael’s intercession—reminding us that the forces of darkness can be overcome through prayer, faith, and sacrifice.

A Final Word of Hope and Confidence

In these trying times, we must not despair, but place all our confidence in the saving power of the Cross of Christ. With St. Michael as our leader and protector, we march forward under his banner, knowing that victory belongs to God.

The forces of darkness will not prevail because Christ has already triumphed over sin and death. Let us take heart, knowing that as we fight under the banner of St. Michael, we are assured of God’s protection and grace. Together, as one Church, we will stand firm in faith, trusting in the intercession of St. Michael to guard our Church, our country, and our families.

In Christ’s Peace,

Fr. Prior