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Michael is Hebrew for “who is like God?”, or “Quis ut Deus?” in Latin, which was the archangel’s zealous response to Satan’s prideful declaration “Non serviam”, or “I will not serve”. Michael’s name thus served as the battle cry of the heavenly hosts as they cast the fallen angels out of heaven. Michael himself, commander of the celestial army, was the primary guardian of the Israelites, and now of the Catholic Church. He is also the guardian angel of the Papacy, a patron of soldiers and policemen, and a great protector of the sick. Michael is often depicted holding a set of scales, for he accompanies each departing soul to their particular judgment, and will weigh the souls on Judgment Day. Today’s date marks the anniversary of the dedication of the Basilica of St. Michael on Mt. Gargano in Italy. Though all the angels have always been honored together today, Michael is their prince, and thus today’s feast is known as “Michaelmas”, a shortening of “Michael’s Mass”. In the traditional calendar Michael has a second feast on May 8th, and Gabriel, Raphael, and the Guardian Angels each have their own feast days. Throughout Christendom this day marks the changing of the season from summer to autumn, with many accompanying customs.
ON Mount Gargano, the commemoration of the blessed archangel Michael. This festival is kept in memory of the day, when under his invocation, was consecrated a church, unpretending in its exterior, but endowed with virtue celestial.
In Thrace, the birthday [into heaven] of the holy martyrs Eutychius, Plautus, and Heracleas.
In Persia, under king Sapor, the holy martyr Gudelia. After having converted many to the faith, and refused to adore the sun and fire, she was subjected to numerous torments. Then having the skin torn off her head, and being fastened to a post, she deserved an eternal triumph.
In the same country, the holy martyrs Dadas, a blood relation of king Sapor, Casdoa, his wife, and Gabdelas, his son. After being deprived of their dignities, and subjected to various torments, they were for a long time imprisoned and finally put to the sword.
In Armenia, the holy virgins, Ripsimus and her companions, martyrs, under king Tiridates.
At Auxerre, St. Fraternus, bishop and martyr.
At Pontecorvo, near Aquino, St. Grimoaldus, priest and confessor.
In Palestine, St. Quiriacus, anchoret.
℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.
℟. Thanks be to God.