CARDINAL FRANK LEO’S MESSAGE FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL | SEPTEMBER 29TH

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

May Jesus and Mary be in your souls. 

I write to you today in anticipation of our Solemnity of St. Michael the Archangel, the Patron Saint of the Archdiocese of Toronto. The Readings for the Mass of St. Michael, Michaelmas, include the Book of Revelation, which presents us with a striking image of a battle between the Archangel & his angels against the dragon (Rev 12:7-12). At first glance, this celestial battle may seem removed from our daily lives, but in reality, it names a truth all too familiar: Wherever people live and work together, especially those who belong to Christ through faith, there are forces seeking to divide, distort & unsettle.

St. Michael’s witness reminds us that peace, unity and harmony are not automatic. They require vigilance and cooperation with God’s grace. We are called to resist quick judgments, refuse the temptation to reduce others to their faults and remain committed to what is true even when it is not easy. We recognize the “authority of His Anointed” and give “testimony” to His love with our lives (Rev 12:10-11).

The name “Michael,” which means “Who is like God?”, is a declaration of a fundamental and foundational truth, a reminder that God is the measure of all things. We are challenged to tune out the various noises — competing voices, opinions and ideologies — and intentionally discern the things of God. Our discernment is not a process of simply collecting perspectives or negotiating outcomes. It is needed for growth. We know that not every voice leads to truth. Not every spirit leads to God (cf. CCC 2847). The truth of the Gospel is something we receive, not something we create, it forms our identity and marks our destiny. Source (an excerpt): https://www.catholicregister.org/item/4358-cardinal-frank-leo-s-message-for-the-solemnity-of-st-michael-the-archangel

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