Sacrificial Ideas for St. Michael's Lent

Sacrificial Ideas for St. Michael's Lent

What's all the buzz about St. Michael's Lent? Many have never heard of it before while others believe it to be a new trend. When in actuality it's been around for quite sometime even dating back to St. Francis of Assisi's time which coincides with how he received his stigmata. It's important to note that this is not a required devotion in Mother Church yet simply a beautiful act of penance and fasting to glorify God for all the graces He continually pours out on us through out the year. 

If this is your first time here you may have missed the post on how to acquire a St. Michael Scapular. It is the only one in its nature where it must be earned and not given. See more about this in our post on a mini-Peregrination to St. Michael. Which is fancy talk for making a special pilgrimage dedicated to St. Michael. 

Prior to Covid, throughout the world organizers would prepare local pilgrimages in every state and province where devout Catholics could make a peregrination to St. Michael to earn this badge of honor. 

Last year I noticed that my state (Florida) never came together after COVID to make pilgrimage so I decided to start my own! It was our first time and it was a great sacrifice for families with little ones in tow for a mighty long day. 

We started with Mass as spiritual food for our journey and received permission from our priest to do this one step out of order. Normally you would end with the scapular investiture but due to distance and time he allowed us to obtain the scapular before our travels. We eventually reached every church within our diocese under the patronage of St. Michael and ended our journey at a very special landmark with historical significance called Saint Michael Shrine in Tarpon Springs which you can read more about here.

https://stmichaelshrine.wordpress.com

From now thru September 29th you can receive a FREE scapular of your choice with any purchase big or small on our site at www.HOBCOLLECTIVE.com

More about Lent.....

People often wonder what to do or what to give up as there are no hard or fast rules. Being that we are already invested in the St. Michael Scapular we are already required to say the St. Michael prayer upon waking each morning. So we needed something more and a bit more tough to bring about the spiritual fruit we wish to reap. Again, this will look different for every family. 

1.) We plan to rise at 5am each morning followed by a workout with an alternating schedule of rigorous exercise followed by brisk walk the next day and repeat this pattern all while listening to the litany of St. Michael. 

2.) In the evening our family plans to replace our usual rosary with that of the Chaplet of St. Michael. Note that this also includes Hail Mary's so we won't be forfeiting one devotion to embrace another. They will compliment each other from the Feast of the Assumption all the way through Michaelmas! 

3.) And finally for the doozy! My husband and I have agreed to live a Josephite Marriage for the next 40 days. Yes, this is allowed. However, I caution you that anymore than 40 days you should truly seek the advice and guidance of a spiritual advisor. There are a lot of misconceptions within the Catholic Church as to how this works. Many saints have practiced this and their marriage is in fact still valid contrary to popular belief. Just ask Sts. Louis & Zéliè or Luigi & Maria Beltrame!


No matter what you choose, may this little devotion to St. Michael enter your heart and help you grow in virtue! God bless you and your family and have a Happy & Holy Lent! 

 

Don't forget to visit our site before our scapulars run out! These are very popular the last week of September and we always sell out! Grab them at the very LOW price while you still can or get one FREE with any purchase! 

 

www.hobcollective.com

 

More info about St. Michael’s Lent: 

St. Michael's Lent is a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and penance observed by some Catholics, particularly those with a devotion to St. Michael the Archangel. It begins on the Feast of the Assumption (August 15) and concludes on the Feast of St. Michael (September 29). The practice is rooted in the traditions of St. Francis of Assisi and is seen as a time for spiritual renewal and preparation for the fall season. 
Origins and Significance:
St. Francis of Assisi:
St. Michael's Lent is attributed to St. Francis, who reportedly observed this period of fasting and prayer in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Michael. 
Stigmata:
St. Francis is said to have received the stigmata (the wounds of Christ) while observing this Lent at La Verna in 1224. 
Seasonal Parallel:
It's considered a "mini-Lent," paralleling the pre-Easter Lent and preparing for the autumn season. 
Spiritual Combat:
Some view it as a time for spiritual combat against evil, with St. Michael as a powerful intercessor.
Observance:
Fasting and Abstinence:
Similar to Lent, fasting and abstaining from certain foods or activities are common practices. 
Prayer:
Increased prayer, including the Chaplet of St. Michael and the Prayer to St. Michael, is encouraged. 
Penance:
Mortifications and acts of self-denial are also part of the observance. 
Spiritual Exercises:
Some organizations, like Exodus 90, offer structured programs for St. Michael's Lent, including daily reflections, prayer, and fraternity meetings. 
Individual Practices:
While there are no strict rules, individuals can tailor their observance to their own needs and circumstances, focusing on prayer, fasting, or other forms of self-denial. 

 


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