Plans for the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels
Shortly after Michaelmas, on October 2nd, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels.
“Every person on earth has a guardian angel who watches over him and helps him to attain his salvation. Angelical guardianship begins at the moment of birth; prior to this, the child is protected by the mother’s guardian angel. It continues throughout our whole life and ceases only when our probation on earth ends, namely, at the moment of death. Our guardian angel accompanies the soul to purgatory or heaven, and becomes our coheir in the heavenly kingdom.” ~ Catholic Culture
Here are a few of our plans for this special feast.
Prayer:
Before dinner, we will pray the following table blessing:
Table Blessing for the Feast of the Guardian Angels
Source: Table Blessings: Mealtime Prayers Throughout the Year
Reading: They come, God’s messengers of love, they come from realms of peace above, from homes of never-fading light, from blessful mansions ever bright. Lord, to us the zeal of angels give, with love to serve you while we live; To us an angel-guard supply, when on the bed of death we lie. (Robert Campbell)
Responsory Verse: God gave his angels charge over us,
Response: to protect us in all our ways.
The Lord’s Prayer
Blessing: Almighty God, our creator, we unite with the choir of angels to sing your praises daily. And today, we give you thanks for giving the angels to us, as messengers of your mysteries and as protectors of our bodies and souls. Grant us to share this meal in peace, joy, and thanksgiving, being always mindful of the unfailing protection of our guardian angels. We ask you this, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
We will also pray the Angel of God, The Angelus, and I will pray my personal favorite, A Mother’s Prayer to the Guardian Angels of her children:
Food/Snacks:
I still haven’t decided on a recipe for dinner yet, though it will most likely be a dish made with Angel Hair pasta.
But for dessert, in contrast to the “Devil’s Food” cupcakes that we made for the feast of St. Michael, I plan on making an “Angel Food” cake for this feast day. I will serve it with of fluffy
In fact, I may buy a ready made angel food cake, and make a trifle. It’s super easy and very yummy. Just tear the cake up into bite sized pieces, and layer them alternately with fresh strawberries or raspberries and whipped cream. I would use my favorite trifle bowl, but any bowl will do.
And for an afternoon treat, the children will each receive an Angel Lollipop Favor that was sent home from the Autumn Festival we attended last week. A very talented mom made these for all the children out of card stock! I love them!
Reading:
- The Angels God’s Messengers and Our Helpers.
- My Guardian Dear: A Story of the Angels
- Angel in the Waters
- Angels, Angels Everywhere
Crafts:
- Make Rainbow Angels! We are still on “a” (for Angels!) week (I am switching to a letter every 2 weeks — with everything else, one per week is just too much!) and since we will be learning about both Colors and Angels this week in Little Saints!
- Angel of God Craft provided in Little Saints
- Color Charlotte’s adorable coloring page to add to our notebooks along with our copywork.
Copywork:
My Guardian Dear,
to whom His love commits me here,
ever this day be at my side,
to light and to guard,
to rule and guide. Amen.
Plans for Michaelmas
Painting of St. Michael that we were given as a gift,The feast of St. Michael the Archangel, also known as Michaelmas, is celebrated on September 29th.
“The name of this Archangel means “who is like unto God?” In the Old Covenant he is made known to us as the “great prince,” the protector of the children of Israel (Dan. 12, 1). Through the New Testament the Church continues this patronage of Michael (Apoc. 12, 7) and has always venerated him as the guardian angel of the kingdom of Christ on earth, as the heavenly leader in the fight against all enemies of God. For this reason he was the special patron of Christian soldiers fighting against pagan armies. In the fierce battles of the imperial troops against the heathen Magyars in Bavaria (933 and 955) Saint Michael’s help was invoked by all fighters with prayer and song and battle cry, and the victory was gratefully attributed to him.” ~ Catholic Culture
Here is what we will be doing to celebrate the feast of this great Saint:
Prayer:
by Helen McLoughlin. (I believe that this book is out of print, but I was able to find an inexpensive copy on Amazon, and it is also available online here.)
Father: The Lord, King of archangels.
All: Come, let us adore, alleluia.
Father: I looked up and saw a man standing there clad all in linen and his girdle was of fine gold. Clear as a topaz his body was, like the play of lightning shone his face; and like burning crossets his eyes; arms and legs of him had the sheen of bronze, and when he spoke, it was like the murmur of a throng.
All: He bestows favors on those nations who honor him, and his prayer leads them to the kingdom of heaven, alleluia.
Father: The angel Michael, chief in paradise, to whom the angelic citizens pay honor.
All: Most glorious prince, archangel Michael, be mindful of us here and everywhere; pray ever for us to the Son of God, alleluia, alleluia.
Father: From the writings of Pope St. Gregory the Great:
Michael means “Who is like God!” When any work of remarkable power is to be done, we are told it is Michael who is sent, that from both his action and his name we may understand that none can accomplish what God in His might accomplishes.
All: Salvation belongs to our God, alleluia.
Father: Let us pray. O God, who ordained the services of angels and men in wonderful order, be pleased to grant that our life on earth may be guarded by those who stand always ready to serve You in heaven. Through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen. Christ conquers, Christ reigns!
Food/Snacks:
In her book Cooking for Christ
2 eggs
1 egg yolk
2/3 cup sugar
1 1/3 cups flour
3/4-1 cup milk
4 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 teaspoon vanillaBlend eggs and sugar. Add flour and milk alternately. Beat hard. Add butter and vanilla. The mixture is thin and should spread evenly on the preheated iron. If Gaufres tend to stick, butter both sides of the iron. Serve hot or cold.
We will be topping our breakfast “Gaufres” with Blackberry Syrup. Doesn’t that sound yummy? In A Book of Feasts and Seasons
Now for dinner… I read on Fisheaters, that “geese were, at least at one time, plentiful during this time of year, so roast goose dinners are traditional (eating them on this day is said to protect against financial hardship, according to Irish and English folk belief). It was also the time (at least in Ireland) when the fishing season ended, the hunting season began, and apples were harvested, so eating apples today with that goose would be a nice touch.” I have no idea where I can find us a goose, so instead, I will be making one of our favorite dishes, Apple Chicken and serving it with steamed baby carrots and angel hair pasta.
Apple Chicken6 skinless chicken thighs
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 cups apple juice
1/3 cup dijon mustard
3 apples — unpeeled, cored & sliced 1/2″ thick
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup sliced green onions
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup waterHeat oil in large skillet. Brown chicken over medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper. Combine apple juice and mustard; pour over chicken. Cover; cook over medium-low heat for 45 minutes. Add apples, raisins and green onions. Cover; Cook 5-10 minutes longer. Place chicken and apples on a serving platter; keep warm. Gradually stir combined cornstarch and water into cider liquid. Cook and stir until thickened. Serve sauce over chicken and apples.
(I usually double this recipe for our family.)
For dessert I *LOVED* the idea of making devil’s food cake and letting the children stab it with little swords! I can’t remember where I first saw this idea (most likely from Mary or Jenn), but I know my children, especially my boys, will be in heaven. 😉
To keep it simple I purchased a boxed cake mix and made devil’s food cupcakes with chocolate frosting and placed them on our cupcake rack
I was so excited that this little statue of St. Michael from myMother-in-law fit perfectly at the top of the stand.
There are so many wonderful traditions and recipes linked to this feast! I am looking forward to trying out more recipes and ideas in the future, and if you would like some more inspiration, don’t miss the post at Catholic Cuisine!
Reading:
Read about St. Michael in the Picture Book of Saints- Read The Great Battle for Heaven (and let the kids do some of the activities).
- Read Pages 83-88 in The Angels: The Catholic Teaching on the Angels
- And if we have time, we will also be reading a few excerpts from All About the Angels
- Oh! I am also going to start reading (for myself) St. Michael and the Angels: A Month With St. Michael and the Holy Angels
Craft/Activity:
- I hope to paint a “St. Michael” to add to our Alphabet of Saints.
- Make an angel Spoon Saint.
- My children just colored these beautiful coloring pages on Friday at our homeschool groups Autumn Festival, and so now my boys have been inspired to draw their own St. Michael as well. They are working on them right now, in fact!
- Another craft we did on Friday, was making apple prints. When you cut the apples in half, cross wise, don’t forget to show your children how the 5 seeds inside the 5-pointed star found inside represent the Five Wounds of Christ!
Copywork:
What would be more fitting than the St. Michael prayer? This prayer was written by Pope Leo XIII after he had a vision of the battle between the “Woman clothed with the sun” and the great dragon who tried to devour her child at birth, in the Book of Revelation.
I downloaded this pdf (thanks Jenn!) for the children to color, and then copy (or cut & paste for my younger ones) the St. Michael prayer onto. It’s perfect! They will each add it to their Liturgical Year Notebooks.
Looking Back
Twinkle Toes and her Godparents
It was five years ago today, when my hubby’s oldest brother, who had recently been ordained a Deacon with the FSSP, performed his very first baptism ever on our daughter, Twinkle Toes. It was one of my first introductions to the Traditional Rite, and it was absolutely beautiful!
It has been such a blessing to have our last three children baptized by their uncles! In fact, on occasion, I am asked by friends, if we could hurry up and have another baby, just so they can attend a Latin Mass once again! 😉 (It’s pretty sad that it takes having a baby–or an occasional visit from my bil’s–to be able to attend this mass, but such is the case, at least in our diocese.)
Novena to Saint Thérèse ~ Day Seven
Roses and Blessings
Whew! It has been an overwhelming week, and I have had very little time to blog, much less keep up with the school and house work. I had also started feeling like it was going to be impossible to catch up. Until today…
My hubby called this morning and said that he would make the drive home today for a visit and to cut the boys hair in time for Mass tomorrow!!! Yeah!! Well, he arrived with roses for the girls and I. Wasn’t that sweet?!?! I just love roses! (During his last visit he gave the boys fire tee-shirts, and told the girls he would have a surprise for them next time…) Chiquita has been talking about it all day, and has been telling everyone, “Daddy gave me pink roses!!!” We placed all our roses in a vase and set them near our favorite statue of St. Therese.
After hubby left to head back to the fire, a brave sweet friend of mine called to say she was on her way to pick up my children (the oldest four) so I could work on cleaning the house and try to finish sorting though all that clothing… So, all evening, it was just Snuggles and I, and I am amazed at how much I was able to accomplish!! Thank you Marci… It was just what I was needing, and even though I still have quite a bit to do, I am not nearly so overwhelmed.
Just a few more days and hubby will be home, on the feast of St. Therese, and just in time for our anniversary the following day! ♥
Novena to Saint Thérèse ~ Day Six
O St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, who during your short life on earth became a mirror of angelic purity, of love strong as death, and of wholehearted abandonment to God, now that you rejoice in the reward of your virtues, cast a glance of pity on me as I leave all things in your hands. Make my troubles your own, speak a word for me to Our Lady Immaculate, whose flower of special love you were — to that Queen of Heaven “who smiled on you at the dawn of life” Beg her powerful intercession the grace I yearn for so ardently at this moment…and that she join with it a blessing that may strengthen me during life, defend me at the hour of death, and lead me straight on to a happy eternity. Amen.
O God, who did inflame with the Spirit of Love, the soul of your servant Thérèse of the Child Jesus, grant that we also may love you and make you much loved. Amen.
DAY SIX
O Little Flower of Jesus, you have shown yourself so powerful in your intercession, so tender and compassionate toward those who honor you and invoke you in suffering and distress, that I kneel at your feet with perfect confidence and beseech you most humbly and earnestly to take me under your protection in my present necessity and obtain for me the favor I ask in this novena…Vouchsafe to recommend my request to Mary, the merciful Queen of Heaven, that she may plead my cause with you before the throne of Jesus, her divine Son.. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted.
St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, pray for us.
Novena to Saint Thérèse ~ Day Five
O St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, who during your short life on earth became a mirror of angelic purity, of love strong as death, and of wholehearted abandonment to God, now that you rejoice in the reward of your virtues, cast a glance of pity on me as I leave all things in your hands. Make my troubles your own, speak a word for me to Our Lady Immaculate, whose flower of special love you were — to that Queen of Heaven “who smiled on you at the dawn of life” Beg her powerful intercession the grace I yearn for so ardently at this moment…and that she join with it a blessing that may strengthen me during life, defend me at the hour of death, and lead me straight on to a happy eternity. Amen.
O God, who did inflame with the Spirit of Love, the soul of your servant Thérèse of the Child Jesus, grant that we also may love you and make you much loved. Amen.
DAY FIVE
O Little Flower of Carmel, Almighty God endowed you, consumed by love for him, with wondrous spiritual strength to follow the way of perfection during the days of your short life. Sickness touched you early but you remained firm in faith and prayer was your life. O pray for me that I may benefit by your intercession and be granted the favor I ask in this novena…
St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, pray for us.
Who, Me???
I was just given the “I Love Your Blog Award” from two super sweet bloggers: Shelly at The Keeper of the Keys, and Mrs. L from At the Wellsprings of Traditional Life!!! Thank you so much to both of you!!! I love your blogs too!
I am suppose to pass this award on to 7 more blogs. It will be hard to keep it at 7, since I have sooooo many favorites… I love all the blogs I read! 😉 But here are 7 from my list:
- Waltzing Matilda
- Eileen on Him… at least, I try!
- Merryheart Acres
- Unam Ecclesiam (of course!)
- Our Domestic Church
- Pinewood Castle
- Catholic Family Vignettes
Now, for you recipients of this award, here’s the deal:
* Display your award.
* Link back to the person who gave you the award.
* Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
* Put links to those blogs on yours.
* Leave a message on the blogs of the people you’ve nominated.
* Enjoy your award!
Let’s see, I will pass this BFF Gold Card Award (according to the rules below) to:
- Regina ~ The best BFF ever! 😉 I mean really, she went through all the trouble to leave me gazillion comments one night so she could claim that #1 spot on the top commenter’s list! Isn’t she sweet!
- Amy ~ I still love you Amy, even though you let Regina take your spot at the top. 😉
- Jamie ~ Who is very sweet and generous! We are still working on using some of the supplies she sent us back when TT made her Butterfly Lapbook! Thanks again Jamie!
- Michele ~ I am still hoping that someday we will be able to meet up for that cup of coffee… If only you lived closer!!! Oh well… I will have to give you a call to chat sometime soon!
- Aubrey ~ I am totally bummed that we hadn’t met before our Roadtrip to Nebraska! It would have been so fun to meet IRL!
*Once again, I seriously could keep going and going… but it is late, and I need to be going to bed!
Thank you Shelly, Mrs. L and Melissa for the Awards, it was very sweet of you all!
Goodnight, God Bless!
Novena to Saint Thérèse ~ Day Four
Novena to Saint Thérèse
Please pray…
… for Elizabeth Foss and her precious little one.
Prayer for a Special Favor
O Most Blessed Trinity, I your unworthy creature, thank you for all the gifts and privileges which you have granted to Saint Gerard, especially for those virtues with which you have adorned him on earth and the glory which you impart to him in heaven. Accomplish your work, O Lord, for the greater glory of the Holy Church. Glorify him before men and women and through his merits, in union with those of Jesus and Mary, grant me the grace for which I ask …(mention your request)
And you, my powerful intercessor St. Gerard, always so ready to help those who have recourse to you, pray also for me. Prostrate yourself before the throne of Divine Mercy and please do not leave it without being heard. To you I confide this important and urgent affair. Graciously take my cause in hand and let me not end this novena without having experienced in some way the effects of your intercession. Amen.
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