St. Michael’s Lent: The Forgotten Devotion of St. Francis of Assisi
Have You Ever Heard of St. Michael’s Lent?
As someone who celebrates Michaelmas each year, I was surprised to recently learn about a beautiful tradition tied to this feast: St. Michael’s Lent. It’s a forgotten but beautiful tradition that’s deeply rooted in our Catholic heritage.
Much like the Lenten season before Easter, St. Michael’s Lent is a time of prayer, fasting, and spiritual reflection. It begins on August 15th (the Feast of the Assumption) and ends on September 29th (Michaelmas).
A Hidden Devotion
St. Michael’s Lent was especially loved by St. Francis of Assisi, who kept this 40-day season of prayer and fasting from the Feast of the Assumption (August 15) until Michaelmas (September 29) in honor of both St. Michael the Archangel and the Blessed Virgin Mary. This devotion is mentioned in The Little Flowers of St. Francis and in the writings of St. Bonaventure, and was treasured by the early Franciscans.
Once a cherished tradition, St. Michael’s Lent quietly faded from common practice over the centuries. The rise of secular society, the Protestant Reformation, and changes in Church customs all played a role, especially in places where devotion to the saints and extended fasts were discouraged or forgotten. Today, it survives mainly in certain Catholic communities in Europe and among Franciscan circles, but is almost unknown to many Catholics elsewhere.
Though largely forgotten, this season still offers a beautiful opportunity to quiet the soul, seek angelic protection, and reconnect with God in the heart of late summer.
Further Reading:
The Catholic Encyclopedia on EWTN offers excellent background on St. Michael’s role as defender and protector, which provides valuable context for understanding why St. Francis would devote 40 days in his honor
Why Observe It?
St. Michael is often called upon in times of battle, spiritual or otherwise. He is our protector, the prince of the heavenly host, and a defender against darkness. Observing this mini-Lent is a way to prepare our hearts for Michaelmas by:
- Offering small sacrifices—whether that’s fasting from a favorite treat, social media, or even unnecessary noise
- Setting aside extra time for prayer, especially the Prayer to St. Michael or the Chaplet of St. Michael
- Asking for angelic protection in your home, your family, or a specific challenge you’re facing
It’s also a time to reflect on the spiritual battles happening around us and to entrust ourselves more fully to God’s care and the guidance of His angels.
Simple Ways to Observe
You don’t have to go all out to take part in St. Michael’s Lent. Here are a few gentle ways to join in:
- Pray the St. Michael Prayer daily (you can print it from my Michaelmas post!)
- Read the stories of St. Michael’s apparitions, like Mont St. Michel or the Grotto in Italy
- Offer a simple, fast: meatless Fridays, or giving up a little luxury
- Light a candle each evening as a reminder of the light St. Michael brings against the darkness
- Keep a spiritual journal leading up to Michaelmas; note your blessings, your struggles, and your prayers
A Season of Strength and Light
As the days grow shorter and we prepare for fall, this season offers a powerful reminder that God has not left us defenseless. His angels are at work. St. Michael still fights for us. And we’re invited to step into that spiritual reality with prayer and trust.
Whether you try just one small devotion or embrace the full 40 days, St. Michael’s Lent is a beautiful way to prepare your heart for Michaelmas.
As St. Michael’s Lent draws to a close on September 29th, the Feast of the Archangels, take a moment to reflect on the spiritual journey you’ve made during this season of prayer, fasting, and devotion. Like St. Francis of Assisi, who cherished this sacred time to seek the protection of St. Michael and the Blessed Virgin Mary, may you find renewed strength and peace to face the challenges ahead. Whether through quiet contemplation or shared family traditions, St. Michael’s Lent invites us to stand firm against darkness and walk confidently in the light of God’s angels.
When Michaelmas arrives, may your heart be full as you celebrate this powerful feast of thanksgiving and divine protection. To deepen your celebration, be sure to check out my What is Michaelmas? post to explore the rich history and meaning of this special day. And when the season culminates, don’t miss my Michaelmas Apple Blackberry Pie recipe, a delicious way to honor the harvest and the triumph of light over darkness.
Let me know if you’ve heard of this tradition before or if you’ll be joining me this year!
“It is through prayer and fasting that we strengthen our souls to battle against the evil that seeks to separate us from God’s love.” -St. Francis of Assisi
As always, thanks for stopping by for some Salty Inspirations!
