On this feast of the Archangels, I wanted to share a short but incredibly moving and powerful poem from a Carmelite nun, St. Miriam of the Holy Spirit, also known by her baptismal name, Jessica Powers.
May St. Michael defend and protect
- innocent and defenseless life
- authentic freedom
- and our own interior peace
in this season of cultural and spiritual attack.
Michael
Michael is a prince of God and page of Mary.
He stands beside the tall throne of His Queen.
He is the warrior who made peace in heaven
and keeps the earth serene.
Then why should I take fright when foes or demons
assail me with their treacheries or wrath,
when I have knowledge that the Queen’s archangel
is keeper of my path?
O heart, believe. The great winged prince of heaven
watches the Queen’s child with a warrior’s eye
and lifts his flaming spear and comes like lightning
at the first cry.
~Jessica Powers