Celebrate Michaelmas at the Unforgettable St. Michael's Abbey in California
Michaelmas is September 29th, and we, as Catholics, have many reasons to celebrate this epic feast day!
Traditionally known as the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, Michaelmas honors the battle in which Saint Michael, along with his angelic cohorts, triumphed over the devil and his minions. This day celebrates good triumphing over evil, reflecting the scriptural account described in Revelation 12.
Michaelmas commemorates this celestial victory and marks the beginning of autumn and a new season of spiritual renewal. For Catholics, it's a time to invoke Saint Michael's protection against darkness and seek courage to face our spiritual battles.
We think this calls for a celebration, don't you? We know just the place to go:
Welcome to the awe-inspiring St. Michael's Abbey.
Tucked away in beautiful Silverado, California, St. Michael's Abbey is home to the Norbertine Fathers - 50 priests and 40+ seminaries studying for the priesthood.
"Immersed in the 900-year tradition of our order, the Norbertine Fathers live a common life of liturgical prayer and care for souls," which they share with visitors via daily mass and prayers.
Daily mass (Monday to Saturday) takes place at 7 a.m., followed by Terce at 8:40 a.m., Sext at noon, confession from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., rosary at 4:30 p.m., Vespers at 5 p.m., Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 7:30 p.m., Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at 8:15 p.m., and Compline at 8:30 p.m.
Please note: The Abbey closes immediately after the Compline.
If visiting on a Sunday, you will find the same schedule, in addition to a conventual mass at 9 a.m.
In addition to mass and prayers, pilgrims and casual visitors alike are invited to tour the visitor's center, which is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Are you the parent or grandparent of a young man aged 7 to 14? Consider sending them to summer camp at St. Michael's!
Camp details can be found here.
Don't worry - boys aren't the only ones who get to have fun, as St. Michael's also offers retreats for pilgrims.
To learn more about St. Michael's Abbey, please visit their website.