Sunday September 28th. 2008
for his help for providing good weather for the harvest.
South Uist had a wonderful tradition of celebrating St. Michael's Day, (Lath' Fheill'Micheil). It was a holy day when everyone went to mass, bringing with them the struan (a special form of bread) which was baked on the eve. This was blessed by the priest at mass, some given to poor and the rest brought back home for the special celebration meal. The graves of loved ones were visited, and the traditional games took place on the machair. You could borrow your neighbour's horse without asking, and very often the engagements of young couples took place on this day.
Many rural towns throughout the land still have Michaelmas Fairs, and the English Universities and Legal professions refer to Michaelmas as the first term of studies. It is sad that the country has lost its devotion to the saints, for this brought a religious atmosphere in to everyone’s daily live and kept so many lovely spiritual traditions
Do you ever pray to the Angels?
We have the most wonderful friends in heaven, God's angels. who worship continually in his presence. Their power to protect us from evil and any harm is very special; but they can also help us to grow in holiness by praying for our needs constantly before the throne of God
Who are the angels?
They are spiritual beings created by God to serve him, and are also sent by God to watch over the human race, to deliver his messages, to guard and protect us from danger and from evil. Since the beginning of time, angels have delivered God's messages to mankind.
Sometimes these were impending warnings of danger, sometimes instructions as to what to do in a particular situation, sometimes as protection from the forces of evil. The angels that brought important news to mankind are called Archangels. and among the greatest of these are St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael. And, of course, God has given each of us since the moment of our conception, a Guardian Angel to look after us throughout our life here on earth.
The power of St. Michael
When something is to be done needing great power, God sends St. Michael. His name means Who is like unto God? It was he who overcame Lucifer in the great battle that took place in heaven, which you can read about in the book of the Apocalypse. Lucifer, whose other name is Satan, in his pride, desired to be as powerful as God, and he and his followers were thrust down into hell. He is destined to tempt and to try to corrupt mankind until the end of time. The Archangel Michael is the greatest of the angels in heaven, and is our protector against the forces of evil. He is also attributed with powers of healing, and he is called upon frequently to heal the sick. He was chosen by the Celtic people as their patron saint, and there are shrines to St. Michael all over the West coast of Europe since the 12th century. They relied on his protection from the perils of the sea when fishing, and also
The power of St. Michael
When something is to be done needing great power, God sends St. Michael. His name means Who is like unto God? It was he who overcame Lucifer in the great battle that took place in heaven, which you can read about in the book of the Apocalypse. Lucifer, whose other name is Satan, in his pride, desired to be as powerful as God, and he and his followers were thrust down into hell. He is destined to tempt and to try to corrupt mankind until the end of time. The Archangel Michael is the greatest of the angels in heaven, and is our protector against the forces of evil. He is also attributed with powers of healing, and he is called upon frequently to heal the sick. He was chosen by the Celtic people as their patron saint, and there are shrines to St. Michael all over the West coast of Europe since the 12th century. They relied on his protection from the perils of the sea when fishing, and also
St. Gabriel
St. Gabriel, whose name means Strength of God, was sent by God to the prophet Daniel to explain his vision concerning the Messiah. He also announced to Elizabeth and Zachariah the forthcoming birth of John the Baptist, even although they were both advanced in years. His greatest role was
St. Gabriel, whose name means Strength of God, was sent by God to the prophet Daniel to explain his vision concerning the Messiah. He also announced to Elizabeth and Zachariah the forthcoming birth of John the Baptist, even although they were both advanced in years. His greatest role was
to appear to the Virgin Mary at the Annunciation to ask her if she would consent to be the mother of the Son of God, the long- awaited Messiah. His greeting to Mary, Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, is the most frequently used and most familiar prayer to all Catholics in the recitation of the rosary.