During the past several weeks, I have been listening to and praying with Hallow’s St. Michael the Archangel series. The last 9 days have been dedicated to a novena to St. Michael led by Fr. Ambrose Criste from the St. Michael’s Abbey in Silverado, CA. He often mentioned how the church was built and oriented in such a way that the altar would be glowing with the sunlight streaming through a window. It was perfectly aligned on this day – the Feast of St. Michael and the Archangels. The resources in the Hallow app included a link to the Abbey’s website to watch the livestream of the event. I wished I could see it in person, but watching the video of the celebration was stunning. At the beginning, the sun streaming through the multicolored window was on the floor and congregation. It gradually moved to the center and then directly onto the altar, which seemed to be almost too bright to look at. The prayers led by the priests and seminarians were beautifully chanted. With the back doors open for the procession, it was equally spectacular. I was glad I had thought of taking screenshots to look back and remember the event. As with all Catholic celebrations, the entire goal was to lift up our attention, our senses, and our souls to the beauty and love of God. This particular experience also called upon the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel to help us do so. I felt a sense of completion and peace and was glad I was able to see the awesome celebration of Michaelmas.

I Found God today in the beautiful celebration of Michaelmas.