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Article 3: Walking with the Angels: A Trilogy for October

maggiemthibault
2 days ago
11 min read

The Heavenly Order: A Theological Overview of the Nine Choirs and a Virtue-Centered Meditation in the Chaplet of St. Michael


Figure 1 “St. Michael, guide of virtues and protector in spiritual battle.”


Catholic theology teaches that the nine choirs of angels form a living hierarchy through which God’s wisdom flows downward in ordered illumination. St. Thomas Aquinas explains that the higher choirs receive God’s intentions more directly and “enlighten the inferior angels” by communicating what they themselves contemplate in God (Aquinas, Summa Theologiae I.106.1). In this way, the Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones behold divine truth in its purest form; the Dominations, Virtues, and Powers receive that truth as it applies to the governance of creation; and the Principalities, Archangels, and Angels apply God’s will to particular events in the world. This descending movement of knowledge — from contemplation to governance to execution — is the heavenly pattern by which God’s providence is communicated through the choirs (Aquinas, Summa Theologiae I.108.6).


The Three Hierarchies

This mosaic, designed by Gabriel Pippet and executed by Maurice Posey in the 1920s for the Church of the Sacred Heart and St Catherine of Alexandria in Droitwich, England, presents a radiant vision of the nine choirs of angels encircling God in glory. Each choir is shown in its traditional role within the celestial hierarchy, forming a unified image of heaven ordered in worship, service, and divine light. Below is a close-up of each choir as depicted in this mosaic, highlighting its place and mission within the heavenly order.


First Hierarchy — Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones - These choirs contemplate God in Himself. Their knowledge is immediate and direct, receiving the divine ideas in their purest form — God’s justice, truth, and love.


Second Hierarchy — Dominations, Virtues, Powers - These choirs contemplate God’s ideas in universal causes. They translate the pure divine knowledge of the highest choirs into governance, order, and the unfolding of providence.


Third Hierarchy — Principalities, Archangels, Angels - These choirs contemplate God’s ideas as they apply to particular effects. They bring God’s will into the concrete details of human life, history, and salvation.


Aquinas describes this beautifully: the higher angels enlighten the lower, and the lower execute what the higher understand. This is the heavenly circulation of wisdom — God’s will descending like light through crystal, each choir receiving and transmitting according to its nature.


Because the choirs form a descending chain of illumination, the Chaplet of St. Michael follows this same movement. Its nine salutations guide the faithful through the hierarchy — not as a theological exercise, but as a spiritual pilgrimage from the burning love of the Seraphim to the intimate guardianship of the angels who accompany us daily.


A Brief History of the Chaplet of St. Michael the Archangel

The Chaplet of St. Michael is a devotion rooted in an 18th-century private revelation and later encouraged by the Church. According to The Chaplet of Saint Michael the Archangel in Latin and English, the origin of the chaplet can be traced to 1751 in Portugal, when the Carmelite nun Antonia d’Astonac reported an apparition of St. Michael the Archangel. In this vision, St. Michael told her that he wished to be honored by nine salutations corresponding to the nine choirs of angels and promised particular graces to those who prayed the devotion faithfully, including the assistance of one angel from each choir at the hour of death (Lopes da Silva, Introduction, p. 7). The revelation was later approved by Blessed Pope Pius IX through a decree of the Sacred Congregation of Rites on 8 August 1851, giving ecclesial recognition to the chaplet and encouraging its spread among the faithful (Lopes da Silva, p. 7).


Following its approval, the chaplet spread rapidly throughout Europe and became a beloved devotion among Catholics seeking protection, clarity, and spiritual strength. The structure of the chaplet reflects the celestial hierarchy itself: nine salutations, each honoring one choir of angels with an Our Father and three Hail Marys, followed by four concluding Our Fathers in honor of St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael, and one’s guardian angel. This ordered descent through the choirs mirrors the way divine illumination flows through the angelic hierarchy, making the chaplet both a prayer and a meditation on God’s governance.


Graces Associated with the Chaplet

According to the tradition preserved in The Chaplet of Saint Michael the Archangel in Latin and English, St. Michael promised that those who pray the chaplet with fidelity would receive particular graces (Lopes da Silva, p. 7), including:

  • The assistance of one angel from each of the nine choirs at the hour of death

  • Continual protection from the assaults of the enemy throughout life

  • Strength in temptation and clarity in spiritual trial

  • Help in growing in humility, purity, and obedience

  • Guidance in discerning God’s will

  • Special intercession of St. Michael in moments of danger or confusion

  • A devotional tradition: the nine choirs accompanying the faithful to the altar during Holy Communion


Symbolism and Colors of the Chaplet’s Beads

Although Antonia d’Astonac’s original revelation did not prescribe bead colors, many contemporary chaplets use different colored beads for each choir of angels. Over time, this practice developed within devotional tradition as a way to help the faithful meditate more deeply on the distinct mission and spiritual character of each choir. The varied colors serve as simple visual aids, guiding the one who prays through the angelic hierarchy in a contemplative and symbolic way.


In this way, the chaplet becomes not only a structured vocal prayer but also a visual meditation on the celestial hierarchy. This symbolic development aligns with the Church’s long tradition of using material beauty—such as stained glass, liturgical colors, and sacred art—to elevate the mind toward heavenly realities. Building on this symbolism, each choir carries its own spiritual character that deepens the meditation of the chaplet; below are the traditional meanings associated with each:

  • Seraphim — Amethyst (Deep Purple): Symbolizes royalty and the burning love that surrounds the throne of God.

  • Cherubim — Cobalt Blue: Represents trust and loyalty, reflecting their role in beholding divine truth.

  • Thrones — Rose: Signifies steadfastness in divine love and the peace of God’s judgments.

  • Dominations — Emerald Green: Symbolizes harmony and rightly ordered authority in the governance of creation.

  • Powers — Light Blue: Symbol of fidelity, recalling their mission to restrain evil and protect the faithful.

  • Virtues — Ruby Red: Represents strength, vitality, and the divine energy that sustains creation.

  • Principalities — Light Green: Signifies balance and growth, reflecting their guidance over nations and societies.

  • Archangels — Diamond White: Represents clarity, peace, and the illumination of divine messages.

  • Angels (Guardian Angels) — Gold: Symbolizes the glory of heaven and their mission to lead souls toward eternal life.


Figure 2 The DiCocco Family - The St. Jude Shop - St Michael the Archangel Chaplet.


Building on this symbolism, each hierarchy of angels is traditionally linked to a virtue that enriches the chaplet’s meaning. The Chaplet of St. Michael now unfolds these virtues, the graces sought, and simple prayers to Mary—take up the beads, and begin the path of prayer.


The Angelic Chaplet of St. Michael: The Nine Choirs: Virtues and Meditations



The Chaplet is said by starting with the medal, the four beads nearest the medal being left for the end of the Chaplet. Suggest using colored beads that are associated with each choir.


Begin with the Sign of the Cross.

V. O God come to my assistance

R. O Lord make haste to help me. Glory be . . .


1. Seraphim — Charity Burning Love (Amethyst) One Pater and three Aves in honor of the first Choir of Angels. By intercession of St. Michael and the Celestial choir of Seraphim, may the Lord make us worthy to burn with the fire of perfect charity. Amen.


Virtue: Perfect love of God (for the Pater).


Mary’s Help for Growing in Charity: (for the Aves).

  • “Mary, help me let go of every hidden idolatry so my heart clings to God alone.”

  • “Mary, teach me to surrender my ego so love, not self-importance, guides my choices.”

  • “Mary, free my heart from anything that competes with God, so He becomes my only desire.”


Grace Sought: Ask for a heart purified of all lesser loves, so that God becomes the center of every desire.


2. Cherubim — Wisdom (Cobalt Blue) One Pater and three Aves in honor of the second Choir of Angels. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Cherubim, may the Lord vouchsafe to grant us grace to leave the ways of wickedness and run in the path of Christian perfection. Amen.


Virtue: Deep understanding of divine truth (for the Pater).


Mary’s help for Growing in Perfection: (for the Aves).

  • “Mary, help me renounce every false idol—comfort, pleasure, or distraction—that blinds me to God’s reality.”

  • “Mary, free me from the pride that distorts my vision, so I may see myself and the world in God’s truth.”

  • “Mary, deliver my heart from sinful habits that darken the mind and keep me from recognizing God’s presence.”


Grace Sought: Pray for clarity of mind and the grace to see reality as God sees it.


3. Thrones — Peace / Divine Justice (Rose) One Pater and three Aves in honor of the third Choir of Angels. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir Thrones, may the Lord infuse into our hearts a true and sincere spirit of humility. Amen.


Virtue: May the Lord infuse into our hearts a true and sincere spirit of humility (for the Pater).


Mary’s Helps for Growing in Humility: (for the Aves).

  • “Mary, help me let go of the need to be seen, so my heart can rest in God alone.”

  • “Mary, teach me to accept correction without defensiveness, allowing truth to shape my soul.”

  • “Mary, free me from judging others, so I may walk humbly in the light of God’s mercy.”


Grace Sought: Steadfastness in God’s judgments. Reflect on surrendering your will to God’s order, trusting His justice even when it is hidden.


4. Dominations — Holy Authority (Emerald Green) - One Pater and three Aves in honor of the fourth Choir of Angels. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir Dominations, may the Lord give us grace to govern our senses and subdue our unruly passions. Amen.


Virtue: Right use of authority and self-discipline (for the Pater).


Mary’s help in Growing in Temperance: (for the Aves).

  • “Mary, calm the impulses of my heart that chase pleasure over virtue, so I may desire what is truly good.”

  • “Mary, steady my mind when passions rise, so I may choose restraint instead of reacting from emotion.”

  • “Mary, strengthen my soul to resist temptations that pull me toward excess, so I may walk in holy moderation.”


Grace Sought: Ask for freedom from disordered attachments and the ability to govern your life according to God’s will.


5. Powers — Protection / Spiritual Warfare (Light Blue) - One Pater and three Aves in honor of the fifth Choir of Angels. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir Powers, may the Lord vouchsafe to protect our souls against the snares and temptation of the devil. Amen.


Virtue: Spiritual Fortitude (for the Pater).


Mary’s Help in Resisting the Enemy: (for the Aves).

  • “Mary, strengthen my resolve to reject every temptation that pulls my heart away from God.”

  • “Mary, help me recognize the devil’s subtle lies, so I may cling only to God’s truth.”

  • “Mary, guard my soul from spiritual laziness, so I remain vigilant and faithful in the battle for holiness.”


Grace Sought: Fidelity and vigilance. Reflect on resisting temptation and standing firm against the enemy’s influence.


6. Virtues — Fortitude (Ruby Red) - One Pater and three Aves in honor of the sixth Choir of Angels. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir Virtues, may the Lord preserve us from evil and suffer us not to fall into temptation. Amen.


Virtue: Strength to persevere in holiness (for the Pater).


Mary’s Help in Remaining Faithful: (for the Aves).

  • “Mary, strengthen my conscience so I can recognize temptation before it takes root.”

  • “Mary, help me desire what is good, so evil loses its power to attract my heart.”

  • “Mary, keep my will steady in moments of weakness, so I do not fall into sin.”


Grace Sought: Pray for courage in trials and the ability to endure suffering with trust in God.


7. Principalities — Leadership (Light Green) - One Pater and three Aves in honor of the seventh Choir of Angels. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir Principalities, may God fill our souls with a true spirit of obedience. Amen.


Virtue: Guidance and stewardship (for the Pater).


Mary’s Help in Growing in Obedience: (for the Aves).

  • “Mary, teach me to submit my will to God’s will, especially when my pride resists.”

  • “Mary, help me obey God promptly and generously, without hesitation or excuses.”

  • “Mary, guide me to accept the duties and responsibilities God places before me with a willing heart.”


Grace Sought: Ask for grace to fulfill your responsibilities faithfully and to influence others toward goodness.


8. Archangels — Zeal (Diamond White) - One Pater and three Aves in honor of the eighth Choir of Angels. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir Archangels, may the Lord give us perseverance in faith and in all good works, in order that we gain the glory of Paradise. Amen.


Virtue: Proclamation of God’s message (for the Pater).


Mary’s Help in Persevering in Faith: (for the Aves).

  • “Mary, steady my faith when I grow weary, so I may continue the good God has begun in me.”

  • “Mary, help me remain faithful in prayer and charity, even when I feel no consolation.”

  • “Mary, strengthen my resolve to finish the good works God entrusts to me, so I may reach the glory of Paradise.”


Grace Sought: Pray for boldness in living and sharing the Gospel in your daily life.


9. Angels — Humility and Care (Gold) - One Pater and three Aves in honor of the ninth Choir of Angels. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Angels, may the Lord grant us to be protected by them in this mortal life and conducted hereafter to eternal glory. Amen.


Virtue: Loving service (for the Pater).


Mary’s Help in Growing in Trustful Guidance: (for the Aves).

  • “Mary, help me stay attentive to God’s gentle promptings, so I do not wander from His path.”

  • “Mary, teach me to welcome the angels’ protection each day, instead of relying on my own strength.”

  • “Mary, guide my heart toward choices that lead to eternal glory, not passing earthly comforts.”


Grace Sought: Reflect on your guardian angel’s constant care and ask for humility to follow God’s promptings.


At the end say four Paters on the four beads nearest the medal.

  • The first in honor of St. Michael

  • The second in honor of St. Gabriel

  • The third in honor of St. Raphael

  • The fourth in honor of Our Guardian Angel

Ending prayer: O glorious Prince St. Michael, chief and commander of the heavenly hosts, guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirit, servant in the house of the Divine King, and our admirable conductor, thou who dost shine with excellence and superhuman virtue, vouchsafe to deliver us from all evil, who turn thee with confidence and enable us by thy gracious protection to serve God more and more faithfully every day.


V: Pray for us O Glorious St. Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ.


A: That we may be made worthy of His Promises.


Prayer: Almighty and Everlasting God, Who by a prodigy of goodness and merciful desire for the salvation of all men, hast appointed the most glorious Archangel St. Michael, Prince of thy Church, make us worthy, we beseech Thee, to be delivered by his powerful protection from all our enemies that none of them may harass us at the hour of death, but that we may be conducted by him into the august presence of Thy Divine Majesty. This we beg through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


This private revelation and prayers were approved by Pope Pius IX by a decree of the S. Congr. of Rites, dated August 8, 1851.


References:


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