Written by Guide Catholic
Feast of St. Michael the Archangel 2026
St. Michael is the most searched archangel in American Catholic life. Here is everything you need for his feast in 2026 — the date, the prayers, and why Catholics call September 29 Michaelmas.
The Feast of St. Michael the Archangel in 2026 is Tuesday, September 29. Since 1969 the Church celebrates Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael together on this date, but St. Michael remains the principal figure — patron of police, military, and the Church in spiritual combat. It is not a U.S. holy day of obligation.
Pray St. Michael's Lent Novena (46 Days — Free)
For the complete daily St. Michael's Lent novena — St. Michael Prayer, litany, consecration, and a page for every day from August 15 through September 29 — use Catholic Bible Online's dedicated guide:
Open St. Michael's Lent Novena on Catholic Bible OnlineWhen Is the Feast of St. Michael in 2026?
September 29, 2026 (Tuesday). Liturgical rank: Feast. Color: white. The date never moves. In 2026 it falls mid-week, so attend a weekday Mass if possible or pray the St. Michael Prayer at home. See also our Michaelmas 2026 date guide.
Who Is St. Michael the Archangel?
Michael ("Who is like God?") appears in Daniel as protector of God's people, in Jude contending with the devil, and in Revelation leading heaven's armies against the dragon. Catholics do not worship angels — we honor them and ask their intercession. St. Michael is defender of the Eucharist, the Church, and souls at the hour of death.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
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 Host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
St. Michael, Gabriel & Raphael on One Feast
Before 1969, September 29 was primarily St. Michael's feast; Gabriel and Raphael had separate days. The revised calendar unites all three biblical archangels. Gabriel announced the Incarnation; Raphael guided Tobias in the Book of Tobit. Full profiles: Feast of the Archangels 2026.
How U.S. Catholics Celebrate in 2026
- Weekday Mass on September 29
- St. Michael Prayer after Mass (where customary)
- Consecration of family and home to St. Michael
- Police, fire, and military personnel seeking his patronage
- Closing St. Michael's Lent (August 15–September 29) with the feast
If you began St. Michael's Lent on the Assumption, September 29 is the goal line. For the 40-day novena with daily prayer pages, see the Catholic Bible Online St. Michael's Lent guide — or our overview on Guide Catholic.
Feast of St Michael the Archangel 2026: what to do that day
Searchers for feast of st michael the archangel 2026 usually want a checklist: weekday Mass if possible, St. Michael Prayer morning and night, Revelation 12 with the family, and — if you kept St. Michael's Lent — a grateful close on September 29. Police, military, and first responders often renew patronage vows or parish blessings on this feast.
Titles and patronage of St. Michael
Michael means "Who is like God?" He is invoked as protector of the Church, companion of souls at death, and patron of those who guard the vulnerable. Asking his intercession is not worship of an angel; it is communion with a heavenly ally under Christ the King.
Connect the feast to the 2026 lenten season
The strongest 2026 devotion arc is Assumption → daily novena → Michaelmas. Start or catch up via our St Michael's Lent 2026 guide and the full text on Catholic Bible Online.
Pray the complete 46-day St. Michael's Lent novena — daily text, calendar, and full prayers — free at Catholic Bible Online.