Archbishop Leo Invites Faithful to Join in Novena to Saint Michael – Sept. 20 – 28, 2023

Archbishop Leo is inviting the Catholic community throughout the archdiocese to join in offering a novena to Saint Michael the Archangel (Patron Saint of the Archdiocese of Toronto), leading up to the Solemnity of Saint Michael on September 29, 2023. In a letter to the faithful released on September 12, 2023, His Grace offered the following reflection:

12 September 2023
Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Mary

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I am reaching out to you all in preparation for the celebration of the Solemnity of Saint Michael the Archangel, the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Toronto, which will be held on 29 September 2023.

As one of the three angels who are named with specific importance within Sacred Scripture, Saint Michael, whose name is Hebrew for "Who is like God?”, is called “one of the chief princes” (Dan 10:13), or “the great prince, guardian of your people” (Dan 12:1). He is likewise depicted in the Book of Revelation (12:7) as leading the good angels in battle against Satan.

In a special way, as the patron of our archdiocese, we continue to ask this mighty protector to safeguard us from the wickedness and snares of the Devil. As guardian of the Church, we invoke his powerful intercession that, as God’s Holy People, we may always walk in justice and “lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God” (Col 1:10).

In prayerful consideration, I encourage and invite all the faithful of our archdiocese – clergy, consecrated and laity, and all communities of faith, to join the entire Archdiocesan family in a Novena to Saint Michael the Archangel in preparation for the liturgical celebration. You will find the prayer in the attachment. We will begin this Novena on Wednesday 20 September 2023 until Thursday 28 September. Please keep in mind and heart the Mass for the Conferral of the Pallium in your prayer intentions as well, that this event may prove to be a strong, spiritual and joyful ecclesial encounter with the Lord, all united as members of his Body.

Through the loving intercession of Mother Mary and Saint Michael the Archangel, may Jesus our Saviour bestow His abundant grace on you and your loved ones, your families and friends, as we strive to live in holiness, building up His everlasting Kingdom.

Yours Sincerely in Jesus with Mary,

Most Rev. Francis Leo
Archbishop of Toronto     

Downloadable Resources 

To access the September 2023 Novena to Saint Michael the Archangel, click here.

To learn more about “What is a novena?” and the schedule for the September 2023 Novena to Saint Michael the Archangel, click here.

To download Archbishop Leo’s letter to the faithful re: September 2023 Novena to Saint Michael the Archangel, click here.