Day 8: The choir of the Archangels

The eighth day of the Saint Michael Novena petitions through the choir of the Archangels, to which Michael himself belongs, and asks for the grace of zeal for the salvation of souls.

The Archangels

The Archangels (Greek archangeloi, "chief messengers") are the eighth choir of angels, the second-to-last in the angelic hierarchy. Three are named in canonical Scripture: Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, and Saint Raphael. The Archangels carry out the principal divine missions to humanity: Michael as defender, Gabriel as announcer, Raphael as healer-companion.

The Archangels are characterized by zeal for the divine economy: the active labor for human salvation that brings God's saving plan into history.

The grace of Day 8

Today we ask through the intercession of Saint Michael and the choir of the Archangels for the grace of zeal for the salvation of souls: that our love of God may overflow into concern for those who do not know Him, that we may pray for the conversion of family and friends, and that we may bear witness to the Catholic faith with the same zeal that animates the angels.

Prayer

Saint Michael the Archangel, by your intercession and that of the choir of the Archangels, kindle in us your own zeal. Make us mindful of souls. Help us to pray for the conversion of sinners and the perseverance of the just.

O Lord God, who desires the salvation of all, make us instruments of Your saving will. Amen.

Conclude with one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.