St. Michael Novena — Day 5: Holy Souls

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Day Five. Tonight, Saint Michael, we pray for the souls in Purgatory. In the Catholic tradition, you are deeply tied to the holy souls. The ancient prayer for the dead asks, May Saint Michael, the standard-bearer, lead them into the holy light. The funeral liturgy itself prays for your guidance of souls into the presence of God. Saint Michael, I bring you tonight the souls of my beloved dead. By name in my heart. (Pause and name them.) My grandparents. My parents, if they have passed. My friends and family who have gone before me. The ones who shaped my life and have already crossed the river. Some of them died in the friendship of God. They are with You already, in joy I cannot yet imagine. Take my love to them tonight, Saint Michael. Tell them I have not forgotten. Tell them I am still walking, still believing, still hoping to see them again. Some of them are still being purified. The Church teaches that the love and prayers of the living can speed the journey of the dead through purification. Tonight my prayers join theirs. Saint Michael, intercede for them. Carry their souls closer to the throne of mercy. Apply to them every Mass, every act of charity, every sacrifice I have offered. I pray especially for those who have no one to pray for them. The forgotten dead. The ones whose families never visit their graves. The ones who died alone, in nursing homes, in hospitals, on streets. Saint Michael, no soul is ever truly alone. Stand by them too. I pray for the souls of those who died this very day, somewhere in the world. The ones who left this earth in the last twenty-four hours. The ones who are crossing right now, while I pray. Be present at the moment of their death. Lead them into the light. I pray for those who will die tomorrow. By the morning, some who are alive tonight will not be. Saint Michael, prepare them. Soften hearts. Turn the unrepentant. Bring final graces. I pray for the soul of one specific person who has been on my heart. Maybe a relative I miss. Maybe a friend whose anniversary is approaching. Maybe someone whose death I never had the chance to grieve properly. (Pause and name them.) Lord Jesus, by the merits of Your Sacred Heart and through the intercession of Saint Michael, have mercy on them. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. I pray the Saint Michael prayer. Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Day Six tomorrow. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.