The Chaplet of St. Michael is a powerful devotion in honor of St. Michael the Archangel and the nine choirs of angels. It was given to a Portuguese Carmelite nun named Antonia d’Astonac by St. Michael himself in an apparition. He promised special graces and protection to those who would recite this chaplet daily. Here is a detailed explanation of the chaplet and how to pray it:

Structure of the Chaplet

The Chaplet of St. Michael consists of an introductory prayer, nine salutations corresponding to the nine choirs of angels, and a concluding prayer. The chaplet includes one Our Father and three Hail Marys for each salutation.

How to Pray the Chaplet

Opening Prayers

Make the Sign of the Cross

Invocation to St. Michael:

• “O God, come to my assistance. O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”

The Nine Salutations

Each salutation is prayed as follows: one Our Father followed by three Hail Marys.

First Salutation: By the intercession of St. 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 Salutation: By the intercession of St. Michael 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 Salutation: By the intercession of St. Michael 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…

Fourth Salutation: By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Dominions, may the Lord give us grace to govern our senses and overcome any unruly passions. Amen.

• Our Father…
• Three Hail Marys…

Fifth Salutation: By the intercession of St. Michael 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 Salutation: By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Virtues, may the Lord preserve us from evil and falling into temptation. Amen.

• Our Father…
• Three Hail Marys…

Seventh Salutation: By the intercession of St. 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 Salutation: By the intercession of St. Michael 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 Salutation: By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Angels, may the Lord grant us to be protected by them in this mortal life and conducted hereafter to eternal glory. Amen.

• Our Father…
• Three Hail Marys…

Concluding Prayers

In Honor of St. Michael:

• “O glorious prince St. 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 conductor, 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.”
• Our Father…

In Honor of St. Gabriel:

• “O God, who among the other wonders of Your power have graciously appointed the Archangel Gabriel to be the herald of the incarnation of Your Son. Grant, we beseech You, that we may ever experience his intercession in Heaven.”
• Our Father…

In Honor of St. Raphael:

• “O God, who in Your ineffable goodness have rendered blessed Raphael the conductor of Your faithful in their journey to Your love. Grant us Your servants to be always protected by his care and freed from all temptations.”
• Our Father…

In Honor of Our Guardian Angel:

• “O Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here; ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.”
• Our Father…

Benefits and Promises of the Chaplet of St. Michael

The Chaplet of St. Michael is a powerful devotion with numerous spiritual benefits and promises associated with its recitation. These promises are based on private revelations and the long-standing tradition of the Church. The primary source of these promises is the apparition of St. Michael to the Portuguese Carmelite nun, Antonia d’Astonac. Here is a detailed expansion of the benefits and promises:

Benefits of Praying the Chaplet of St. Michael

Protection in Spiritual Battles:

• St. Michael is known as the leader of the heavenly armies and the protector of the faithful against the forces of evil. Reciting the chaplet invokes his powerful intercession and protection in times of spiritual warfare.

Intercession at the Hour of Death:

• One of the key promises is St. Michael’s assistance at the hour of death. He promises to be present to those who recite the chaplet regularly, providing comfort and protection against the attacks of the enemy during this crucial time.

Deliverance of Souls from Purgatory:

• The chaplet is also believed to aid in the deliverance of souls from Purgatory. By praying the chaplet, one can help expedite the purification process for their own soul and the souls of their loved ones, allowing them to enter Heaven more swiftly.

Protection of Families and Loved Ones:

• Those who faithfully recite the chaplet are promised protection not only for themselves but also for their families and loved ones. This protection extends to spiritual, physical, and temporal needs, ensuring the well-being of those close to the devotee.

Angelic Assistance:

• The chaplet calls upon the intercession of the nine choirs of angels, inviting their presence and assistance in one’s daily life. These angels provide guidance, protection, and support in various aspects of life.

Growth in Virtue and Holiness:

• By meditating on the virtues of the angelic choirs and seeking St. Michael’s intercession, devotees can grow in humility, charity, obedience, and other virtues, leading to a deeper spiritual life and closer relationship with God.

Peace and Courage:

• Regular recitation of the chaplet instills a sense of peace and courage in the face of life’s challenges. Knowing that St. Michael and the angels are interceding provides comfort and strength to endure trials and remain steadfast in faith.

Promises Associated with the Chaplet of St. Michael

St. Michael’s Assistance:

• St. Michael promised to those who pray the chaplet that he would be their protector throughout life, especially at the hour of death. He assured his assistance and presence during the final moments, ensuring a peaceful transition from this life to the next.

Deliverance from Purgatory:

• St. Michael promised that he would deliver from Purgatory those who had faithfully recited the chaplet during their lifetime. This promise includes not only the devotee but also their relatives, ensuring their swift passage to Heaven.

Protection from Evil:

• The chaplet offers protection from various forms of evil, including spiritual attacks, temptations, and demonic influences. St. Michael’s intercession serves as a shield against the snares of the devil.

Intercession of the Nine Choirs of Angels:

• By honoring the nine choirs of angels through the chaplet, devotees receive their collective intercession and support. Each choir of angels brings unique graces and protection, enhancing the spiritual life of the devotee.

Special Graces:

• St. Michael promised special graces to those who recite the chaplet devoutly. These graces include assistance in overcoming sin, growth in virtue, and the strength to persevere in faith.

Protection in Temporal Affairs:

• The chaplet is also believed to provide protection and assistance in temporal matters, such as health, safety, and well-being. St. Michael and the angels watch over the devotee’s earthly affairs, ensuring their protection and prosperity.

Source of the Promises

The promises associated with the Chaplet of St. Michael are primarily derived from the private revelation to Antonia d’Astonac, a Portuguese Carmelite nun. According to tradition, St. Michael appeared to her and outlined the structure of the chaplet, along with the associated promises. While private revelations are not considered part of the deposit of faith and are not required to be believed by all Catholics, they are often embraced by the faithful as an aid to devotion.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church also supports the belief in angelic protection and intercession, emphasizing the role of angels in the spiritual life of believers:

“The whole life of the Church benefits from the mysterious and powerful help of angels. From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession. ‘Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.’ Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God.” (CCC 336)

By incorporating the Chaplet of St. Michael into daily prayer life, believers can experience these profound spiritual benefits and promises, deepening their connection with St. Michael and the heavenly hosts.

The Nine Choirs of Angels

In Christian theology, angels are organized into a celestial hierarchy, known as the Nine Choirs of Angels. This classification was elaborated by Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite in his work “The Celestial Hierarchy” and has been widely accepted in Christian tradition. Each choir has a specific role and function in the divine order. Here is an explanation of each choir:

1. Seraphim

• Role and Function: The Seraphim are the highest order of angels. They are closest to God and are continuously in His presence, praising and worshiping Him with the cry, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory” (Isaiah 6:3). They are known for their burning love and purity.
• Symbolism: Often depicted with six wings, Seraphim symbolize the highest degree of love and illumination.

2. Cherubim

• Role and Function: The Cherubim are the guardians of God’s glory and the keepers of divine knowledge. They are mentioned in Genesis as guarding the way to the Tree of Life (Genesis 3:24) and in Ezekiel’s vision as bearing the throne of God (Ezekiel 10:1-22).
• Symbolism: Typically shown with multiple wings and eyes, representing their all-seeing knowledge and guardianship.

3. Thrones

• Role and Function: The Thrones are the angels of humility, peace, and submission. They serve as God’s chariot, dispensing His divine justice and authority. They are often associated with the spirit of divine order and law.
• Symbolism: Thrones are depicted as large, fiery wheels covered with many eyes, signifying their role in upholding God’s justice.

4. Dominions

• Role and Function: Dominions are responsible for regulating the duties of the lower angels. They oversee the lesser orders and ensure that the cosmos remains in order according to God’s will. They are associated with authority and leadership.
• Symbolism: Often shown holding a scepter or an orb, representing their governing authority.

5. Virtues

• Role and Function: Virtues are the angels of grace and valor. They bestow blessings upon the material world and are often associated with miracles and divine strength. They help maintain the natural order and assist in the performance of miracles.
• Symbolism: Virtues are depicted with symbols of divine power, such as rays of light or other signs of miraculous intervention.

6. Powers

• Role and Function: Powers are the warrior angels tasked with fighting against evil spirits and maintaining cosmic order. They protect the world from the infiltration of evil and help in spiritual warfare.
• Symbolism: Often shown with armor and weapons, representing their role as protectors and warriors against evil forces.

7. Principalities

• Role and Function: Principalities are the guardians of nations and leaders. They guide and protect nations, cities, and rulers, ensuring that they follow God’s will. They are also responsible for inspiring humans to create beautiful and harmonious communities.
• Symbolism: Depicted with a crown or scepter, symbolizing their authority over nations and peoples.

8. Archangels

• Role and Function: Archangels are the chief messengers of God, tasked with delivering His most important messages to humanity. They are also involved in guiding and protecting large groups of people. The most well-known archangels include Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.
• Symbolism: Archangels are often depicted with specific symbols related to their missions, such as St. Michael with a sword, St. Gabriel with a lily, and St. Raphael with a staff.

9. Angels

• Role and Function: Angels are the lowest order of the hierarchy and the closest to humanity. They act as personal guardians and messengers for individuals, guiding and protecting them throughout their lives.
• Symbolism: Depicted as simple and serene beings, often shown with gentle expressions and symbols of protection like wings or light.

Summary of the Nine Choirs of Angels

1. Seraphim: Angels of love and illumination, closest to God.
2. Cherubim: Guardians of divine knowledge and glory.
3. Thrones: Angels of divine justice and order.
4. Dominions: Authority figures overseeing the lower angels.
5. Virtues: Angels of grace, bestowing blessings and miracles.
6. Powers: Warrior angels fighting against evil.
7. Principalities: Guardians of nations and leaders.
8. Archangels: Chief messengers delivering important messages from God.
9. Angels: Personal guardians and protectors of individuals.

Understanding the roles and functions of the nine choirs of angels can deepen one’s appreciation for the Chaplet of St. Michael and the powerful intercession of these celestial beings in our lives.