The change of season is in full swing here in the mountains.
Temperatures have dropped, leaves are changing, and the
winds are picking up.
Last week, we celebrated the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, which for me always says, "Get ready, winter is on the way."
We have a great devotion to St. Michael here: He is my Baptismal and Chrismation patron Saint, Dom Joseph-Marie is from St. Michael's Parish in Southern California, and we always say a prayer to St. Michael at the end of Missa Lecta (Low Mass) asking his protection in these strange and confusing times.
Blessed Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the malice and snar
es of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly Hosts, by God’s Divine Power, thrust into Hell Satan, and all the evil spirits that roam the world, seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Dom Joseph-Marie and his icon of St. Michael in the church of that Name, Whittier, California. The beginning of the above prayer, is inscribed beneath the image, in Latin.
A few days ago, we were able to snap a photo of both menacing clouds and a rainbow, bringing to mind God's promise in Genesis, not to destroy the world by flooding.
Looking forward to seeing the monastics tomorrow. May light perpetual shine upon Koria Suzanne. She is a prototype of an Orthodox wife, mother, and woman. I will miss her very much. Memory eternal!