St. Michael’s Lent: A Catholic Tradition of Prayer and Fasting

Discover the forgotten tradition of St. Michael’s Lent and how this 40-day devotion can transform your spiritual life.

I grew up Catholic, faithfully observing Lent before Easter each year. Yet I had never heard about St. Michael’s Lent until this summer. This powerful 40-day devotion runs from August 15 to September 29, offering Catholics a second season of prayer, fasting, and spiritual renewal.

As I prepare for my first St. Michael’s Lent, I’m amazed by what I’ve learned so far. St. Francis of Assisi embraced this devotion centuries ago. During one St. Michael’s Lent, he received the miraculous stigmata. Today, Catholics like me are rediscovering this hidden treasure of Church tradition.

If you’ve never heard of St. Michael’s Lent either, you’re not alone. This ancient practice somehow slipped past many of us during our Catholic formation. But it’s never too late to begin.

What Is St. Michael’s Lent?

St. Michael’s Lent is a voluntary 40-day period of prayer and penance. It begins on August 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. The devotion concludes on September 29, the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.

Unlike Easter Lent, the Church does not require Catholics to observe St. Michael’s Lent. This makes it a private devotion rooted in personal spiritual growth. Many saints and holy men throughout history have embraced this practice.

The devotion centers on three pillars: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These mirror the traditional Lenten disciplines that prepare Catholics for Easter.

The History Behind St. Michael’s Lent

St. Francis and the Origins

St. Francis of Assisi popularized St. Michael’s Lent in the early 13th century. His deep devotion to St. Michael the Archangel inspired this practice. Francis saw St. Michael as the defender of God’s people and leader of the heavenly host.

Each year, St. Francis observed these 40 days with intense prayer and fasting. In 1224, he traveled to Mount La Verna in Italy to spend St. Michael’s Lent in solitude. During this retreat, Francis received the stigmata—Christ’s wounds appearing in his own body.

This miraculous event transformed St. Michael’s Lent into a cornerstone of Franciscan spirituality. The devotion spread throughout the order and beyond.

Why “St. Michael’s Lent”?

The name comes from the feast that concludes this season. September 29 honors the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Older calendars called this day Michaelmas, focusing primarily on St. Michael.

St. Michael holds special significance in Catholic devotion. Scripture reveals him as the protector of God’s people. He leads the heavenly armies against Satan and defends the faithful from evil.

By dedicating 40 days to St. Michael, Catholics seek his intercession in spiritual battles. This preparation helps believers honor the Archangels with greater devotion.

When Does St. Michael’s Lent Take Place?

St. Michael’s Lent begins on August 15 and ends on September 29. This creates approximately 40 days of devotion. Traditional counting excludes Sundays, mirroring the Church’s method for Easter Lent.

The timing holds special meaning. August 15 celebrates Mary’s Assumption into heaven. September 29 honors the mighty Archangels. This creates a spiritual journey from the Queen of Heaven to her celestial defenders.

Perfect Timing for Modern Life

These dates offer Catholics excellent timing for spiritual renewal. Summer activities often distract from prayer and discipline. St. Michael’s Lent provides structure as families return to school schedules.

The devotion also prepares hearts for the liturgical year’s final months. October brings the rosary devotions. November focuses on the souls in purgatory. St. Michael’s Lent builds spiritual momentum for these important seasons.

How to Observe St. Michael’s Lent

The Church does not impose rules for this devotion. Each Catholic may choose how to live it. Still, tradition suggests three practices:

1. Prayer – Daily prayer to St. Michael forms the foundation. Many Catholics pray the Prayer to St. Michael composed by Pope Leo XIII. Others choose the Chaplet of St. Michael or simple personal prayers
2. Fasting – Voluntary fasting or abstinence shows penance and discipline. Some Catholics fast from certain foods. Others limit entertainment, social media, or unnecessary purchases.
3. Almsgiving – Acts of charity, service, and generosity honor God through love of neighbor. This might include volunteering, donating to charity, or helping those in need.

The Prayer to St. Michael

Pope Leo XIII composed this powerful prayer in 1886:

“St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.”

This prayer captures the essence of St. Michael’s Lent. Catholics ask for protection against evil while growing in holiness.

Why St. Michael’s Lent Matters Today (And Why I Wish I’d Known Sooner)

Spiritual Warfare in Modern Times

As someone who grew up without learning about this devotion, I now see what I missed. Our world faces unprecedented spiritual challenges. Technology creates new temptations. Secular culture often opposes Catholic values. Political divisions tear communities apart.

Learning about St. Michael’s Lent feels like discovering a weapon I never knew existed. Prayer strengthens our connection to God. Fasting builds self-discipline. Almsgiving opens hearts to God’s love. These tools could have helped me through many difficult seasons.

What I’m Learning About the Benefits

As I research and prepare for my first St. Michael’s Lent, I’m discovering the benefits other Catholics report:

• Spiritual Renewal: A fresh start after summer’s distractions
• Greater Discipline: Strengthened self-control through voluntary sacrifice
• Divine Protection: Confidence in St. Michael’s intercession against evil
• Deeper Prayer Life: More consistent communication with God
• Increased Charity: Greater love for neighbors in need

Reading these testimonies fills me with anticipation for what God might do during these 40 days.

Preparing for Michaelmas

The Feast of the Archangels deserves proper preparation. These mighty spirits serve as God’s messengers and warriors. They protect, guide, and heal God’s people.

This devotion helps Catholics appreciate angelic ministry. By September 29, hearts are ready to honor these heavenly guardians with genuine devotion.

Getting Started: Pray with the Hallow App

My favorite prayer tool is the Hallow App, and it offers a beautiful way to pray through this 40 day devotion. Hallow has created a dedicated series that guides you day by day with prayer and reflection.

Explore the full series here: St. Michael Archangel on Hallow

One of the best parts of Hallow’s offering is their free downloadable study guide, which helps you stay focused and intentional throughout the forty days. It includes Scripture passages, guided reflections, and suggested practices to deepen your devotion.

Download the guide here: Study Guide (PDF)

The Hallow App makes it easy to weave prayer into daily life, even for busy Catholics. Whether you’re at home, commuting, or taking a quiet walk, the audio guides help you stay rooted in prayer and connected to the Church’s tradition.

If you are new to this or want a structured plan, the Hallow series is an excellent place to start.

Conclusion: Embracing This Forgotten Treasure

This ancient devotion combines prayer, fasting, and charity with devotion to the Archangels.

I may have missed learning about this tradition growing up, but I’m grateful to discover it now. St. Francis of Assisi found extraordinary grace through this practice. His stigmata remains a testament to St. Michael’s Lent’s spiritual power.

As I prepare for my first observance, I’m filled with anticipation. August 15 can’t come soon enough. I’m ready to embrace these 40 days of prayer and penance, even as a beginner.

If you’re like me—a lifelong Catholic just learning about St. Michael’s Lent—don’t let this opportunity pass. Join me in discovering this forgotten treasure. Ask St. Michael to defend you in spiritual battle. Transform these late summer weeks into a season of grace.

The saints discovered that voluntary sacrifice leads to unexpected joy. This year, I’m finally ready to make that discovery myself.

Are you ready to join me on this journey?

Common Questions

Resources:

• “Victory Over Vice & The Seven Virtues (affiliate) by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
• USCCB Prayer Resources – United States Conference of Catholic Bishops prayer collection
• St. Michael Series – Hallow App