The Chaplet of St. Michael, also known as the Rosary of the Angels, is a structured Catholic devotion that honors Saint Michael the Archangel and the nine choirs of angels. Its format is distinct from the traditional Rosary, though it similarly uses beads to count prayers.
The Chaplet of St. Michael is a Catholic prayer devotion that honors St. Michael the Archangel and the nine choirs of angels. Also called the Rosary of the Angels, it seeks their intercession for protection, spiritual graces, and assistance in life and after death. It was approved by Pope Pius IX in 1851.
It originated from a private revelation in the 1750s, when St. Michael reportedly appeared to Antonia d’Astonaco, a Portuguese Carmelite nun. He asked her to honor him with nine salutations, one for each choir of angels, promising special graces to those who pray it.
The nine choirs, based on Christian tradition, are: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Powers, Virtues, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels. Each salutation in the chaplet corresponds to one choir and requests a specific grace, like charity or humility.
Start with: “O God, come to my assistance. O Lord, make haste to help me,” followed by a Glory Be. Pray nine salutations, each with an intention for St. Michael and one choir of angels, one Our Father, and three Hail Marys. Say four Our Fathers honoring St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael, and your Guardian Angel. End with a prayer to St. Michael and a final petition to God.
No, while a specific chaplet with nine groups of three beads and four additional beads exists, you can pray it without beads by mentally counting the prayers.
St. Michael reportedly promised that those who pray it daily will receive his continual assistance and that of all holy angels during life. He also promised an escort of nine angels (one from each choir) when approaching Holy Communion, and deliverance from Purgatory for the person and their loved ones after death.
It typically takes 10-15 minutes, depending on your pace and whether you reflect on each salutation.
You can pray it anytime, but it’s especially recommended daily for its promised benefits or on St. Michael’s feast day, September 29 (Michaelmas). It’s also popular during times of spiritual struggle or temptation.
Unlike the Rosary, which focuses on the life of Christ and Mary with five decades, the Chaplet of St. Michael has nine salutations for the angelic choirs and emphasizes angelic intercession and protection. It uses fewer beads and has a different structure.
People pray it to seek St. Michael’s protection against evil, grow in virtues like humility and obedience, and gain the support of the angelic hosts in spiritual battles. It’s a powerful tool for those desiring heavenly assistance.
Listen to the Saint Michael Chaplet