Message on the Solemnity of Saint Michael the Archangel
27 September 2026
His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo
Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

May Jesus and Mary be in your souls.

I am writing to you today in anticipation of our Solemnity of Saint 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 and 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; that is, wherever people live and work together, and especially those who belong to Christ through faith, there are forces that seek to divide, distort, and unsettle.

St. Michael's witness reminds us that peace, unity and harmony are not automatic; rather, 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).

More than a question, 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.

We do not invent our own path all alone but rather discern it in fidelity, in community and walk along it in hope. In this regard, St. Michael stands as our guardian not only of the Church's safety (cf. Dan 12:1), but of her very identity. We journey through life together as a community of faith, under the protection of the heavenly hosts, sustained by grace, guided by the Holy Spirit, and defended against all that would seek to fracture our unity.

St. Michael is often depicted as restoring order against chaos. I invite us to consider how we might work together to do the same in our lives - at home, at work, indeed wherever we find ourselves. Our feast offers both clarity and encouragement, reminding us that the life we share is shaped by more than circumstance; it is part of a larger spiritual reality that calls for humility before God, fidelity to what is true, and a steadfast commitment to God and one another. I would like to renew my invitation once again this year to join me in praying the Novena to St. Michael (September 18 to September 26) with a special intention: the fruitfulness and successful implementation of the new Archdiocesan Pastoral Plan which begins to unfold this fall so that we may be ever more faithful, attentive, generous and giving to the Lord and to others according to the vocation we have received and after the manner of Our Lady of Cana.

Saint Michael the Archangel, our patron saint, pray for us.

Novena to St. Michael the Archangel
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Heavenly and Almighty Father, God of mercy and compassion,
we give you thanks and praise for all your kindness and blessings
which you bestow upon us, your beloved children, and for the
opportunities of spiritual renewal which you provide out of the
abundance of your unfailing love and graciousness. As we honour
the glorious Archangel St. Michael, whose zeal for your almighty
power obtains for us your own loving protection, in the name of
Christ our Saviour and Brother and through your Holy Spirit,
guide our steps along the path of holiness of life, and guard
our thoughts as we journey through this life to our heavenly
homeland. Confident of the powerful intercession of our patron
saint St. Michael, we now ask for this grace (say your intention).
Inspire in us the same humility and thirst for justice and holiness
which animated your great servant and angelic messenger. May
our lives give glory to you, our families bear witness to your love
and our communities of faith be filled with the grace and joys of
your Kingdom. Amen.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
St. 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
Hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the
evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
St. Michael, filled with the wisdom of God, pray for us.
St. Michael, perfect adorer of the Incarnate Word, pray for us.
St. Michael, crowned with honour and glory, pray for us.
St. Michael, our help in all adversities, pray for us.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.