Fr. Mike's Gospel Reflection for - Sunday, November 9, 2025

The Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

In 1884, Pope Leo XIII, after a vision of demonic forces attacking the Church, ordered that several prayers, including the St. Michael Prayer, be recited at the conclusion of “Low Masses” (Masses without music). In 1965, the Second Vatican Council removed the requirement to recite these prayers at the end of Mass. During COVID, parishes began reciting the St. Michael Prayer at the end of every Mass. More recently, parishes have stopped this practice entirely or recite the prayer only after daily Mass, after the priest has left the altar.

The trajectory of each Mass moves us to the joyful and glorious moment when we receive Jesus into our bodies and souls, allow Jesus to transform us, and enter into our most intimate prayer with Him. The Prayer After Communion reinforces this sacred moment. The Final Blessing and Sending Forth remind us that we must take our transformed selves out into the world to “glorify the Lord with our lives.” At Masses with music, this is followed by an uplifting Recessional song which joyfully sends us forth. In my humble opinion, reciting the St. Michael Prayer at the end of Mass shifts our attention from joyful intimacy with Jesus and inspired mission, toward the “battle” we face and the “wickedness” we will encounter.

The Diocese advised me that the prayer was permitted, but not required, and that each pastor may decide whether the parish recites the prayer after dismissal. After praying and seeking advice, it seems best that we discontinue the practice of the congregation reciting the St. Michael Prayer after the end of Sunday Masses and any other Masses with music. At the conclusion of daily Masses, the congregation may recite the prayer after the priest bows to the altar and proceeds down the aisle.

When Saint Pope John Paul II spoke of the prayer, he said, “Although the prayer is no longer recited at the end of Mass, I ask every one not to forget it and to recite it to obtain help in the battle against the forces of darkness and against the spirit of the world.” I agree and encourage us to continue to pray the St. Michael Prayer privately whether after Mass in silence, in private devotion, or when experiencing temptations. St. Michael, defend us!

Fr. Mike