The Chaplet of Saint Michael honours the Archangel together with the nine choirs of angels named in Scripture and the tradition: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominations, Powers, Virtues, Principalities, Archangels and Angels. It grew out of the devotion of a Portuguese Carmelite in the eighteenth century and was approved by Pope Pius IX in 1851. The Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy commends devotion to the holy angels as protectors and companions on the way, while warning against anything superstitious; the chaplet is simply a series of petitions that the Lord, through Saint Michael and each choir, grant a particular grace.

What you need

• A Saint Michael chaplet (a medal, nine groups of one large and three small beads, and four final beads), or an ordinary rosary counted accordingly
• About fifteen minutes

When to pray it

Any time; especially on 29 September, the feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, on 2 October, the feast of the Guardian Angels, and whenever you seek protection in temptation or spiritual struggle.

Steps

1. 1

   Step 1: Begin on the medal

   Make the Sign of the Cross▾. On the medal pray: V. O God, come to my assistance. R. O Lord, make haste to help me. Then pray the Glory Be▾.

2. 2

   Step 2: Learn the pattern of each salutation

   The chaplet has nine salutations, one for each choir of angels. For each: say the salutation on the large bead, then pray one Our Father▾ on the same bead and three Hail Marys▾ on the three small beads that follow. Every salutation begins "By the intercession of Saint Michael and the celestial choir of..." and ends "Amen."

3. 3

   Step 3: The first three choirs: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones

   First: "By the intercession of Saint Michael and the celestial choir of Seraphim, may the Lord make us worthy to burn with the fire of perfect charity. Amen." Our Father▾, three Hail Marys▾. Second: "...and the celestial choir of Cherubim, may the Lord grant us the grace to leave the ways of sin and run in the paths of Christian perfection. Amen." Our Father▾, three Hail Marys▾. Third: "...and the celestial choir of Thrones, may the Lord infuse into our hearts a true and sincere spirit of humility. Amen." Our Father▾, three Hail Marys▾.

4. 4

   Step 4: The middle three choirs: Dominations, Powers, Virtues

   Fourth: "By the intercession of Saint Michael and the celestial choir of Dominations, may the Lord give us grace to govern our senses and overcome any unruly passions. Amen." Our Father▾, three Hail Marys▾. Fifth: "...and the celestial choir of Powers, may the Lord protect our souls against the snares and temptations of the devil. Amen." Our Father▾, three Hail Marys▾. Sixth: "...and the celestial choir of Virtues, may the Lord preserve us from evil and keep us from falling into temptation. Amen." Our Father▾, three Hail Marys▾.

5. 5

   Step 5: The last three choirs: Principalities, Archangels, Angels

   Seventh: "By the intercession of Saint Michael and the celestial choir of Principalities, may God fill our souls with a true spirit of obedience. Amen." Our Father▾, three Hail Marys▾. Eighth: "...and the celestial choir of Archangels, may the Lord give us perseverance in faith and in all good works, in order that we may attain the glory of heaven. Amen." Our Father▾, three Hail Marys▾. Ninth: "...and the celestial choir of Angels, may the Lord grant us to be guarded by them in this mortal life and conducted hereafter to eternal glory. Amen." Our Father▾, three Hail Marys▾.

6. 6

   Step 6: Pray four Our Fathers on the final beads

   On the four remaining beads pray one Our Father▾ each in honour of Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, Saint Raphael and your Guardian Angel. You may add the Guardian Angel Prayer▾ ("Angel of God, my guardian dear") after the fourth.

7. 7

   Step 7: Pray the closing prayer to Saint Michael

   "O glorious Prince Saint Michael, chief and commander of the heavenly hosts, guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirits, servant in the house of the Divine King and our admirable guide, you who shine with excellence and superhuman virtue: deliver us from all evil, who turn to you with confidence, and enable us by your gracious protection to serve God more and more faithfully every day. V. Pray for us, O glorious Saint Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ. R. That we may be made worthy of his promises."

8. 8

   Step 8: Conclude

   "Almighty and everlasting God, who by a wonder of your goodness and mercy, for the salvation of all, have appointed the most glorious Archangel Saint Michael Prince of your Church: make us worthy, we beseech you, to be delivered from all our enemies, that none of them may harass us at the hour of death, but that we may be led by him into your presence. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." Make the Sign of the Cross▾.

Tips

• Each salutation asks for a specific grace; make it your intention for the Our Father and Hail Marys that follow rather than rushing to the next choir.
• On a plain rosary, use the large bead for the salutation and Our Father and the next three small beads for the Hail Marys, then move to the next large bead.
• The Prayer to Saint Michael ('Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle') is a different, shorter prayer and can be added at the end.

Related devotions

• Chaplet of Saint Michael