Saint Michael In The Liturgy of the Personal Ordinariates

Archangel Michael stands prominently within Divine Worship: The Missal, where his presence reflects the Ordinariate’s deep continuity with the Western liturgical and devotional tradition. Most notably, he appears in the Prayers at the Foot of the Altar, where the priest invokes “St. Michael the Archangel” among the heavenly hosts who assist the Church’s worship. This placement is significant: before ascending to the altar, the celebrant acknowledges the cosmic struggle between light and darkness and seeks the protection of the prince of the heavenly armies. In this way, Michael’s role is not decorative but theological—he embodies the Church’s confidence that divine worship participates in the victory of God over evil.

HOLY MICHAEL, Archangel, defend us in the day of battle; be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray, and do thou, Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God thrust down to hell Satan and all wicked spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen. 

Within the Offertory, Divine Worship preserves traditional prayers that implicitly recall Michael’s ancient association with sacrifice. In older Roman usage, Michael was understood as the angel who presents the Church’s offerings before the throne of God. While Divine Worship does not reproduce every historical text, its sacrificial language and ceremonial solemnity echo this angelic mediation, situating the Eucharist within the heavenly liturgy described in the Apocalypse.

Through the intercession of blessed Michael the Archangel standing at the right hand of the altar of incense, and of all his elect, may the Lord vouchsafe to bless this incense, and to receive it for a sweet smelling savour; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Michael’s presence is also felt in the Calendar, where his feast—Michaelmas, (29 September; 8 November in Eastern Christian tradition)—is celebrated with particular dignity. The propers emphasize his role as defender of God’s people, leader of angelic hosts, and herald of divine judgment. In Ordinariate communities, this often inspires rich musical and ceremonial expression, drawing on English patrimony that long cherished Michael as a guardian of Church and nation.

Divine Worship presents Archangel Michael as warrior, guardian, and heavenly minister, integrating him into the Church’s prayer with a clarity that reflects both ancient Roman tradition and the English spiritual heritage.