Every year from August 15, the Feast of the Assumption, until September 29, the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel, Catholics are invited to take part in a powerful devotion known as St. Michael’s Lent. First practiced by St. Francis of Assisi, this 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance was a way to honor St. Michael, deepen trust in God, and strengthen the soul against the battles of life.

In this episode, I share this devotion and how it connects beautifully to the imagery of the childhood game Chutes and Ladders.

A Devotion for Our Times

St. Michael’s Lent is more than a historical tradition. In a culture filled with spiritual battles, immorality, and discouragement, we need the help of Our Lady and St. Michael the Archangel, two of the greatest protectors God has given us. By fasting, abstaining, and turning to prayer, we enter into spiritual warfare not on our own strength but with the strength of heaven behind us.

Just as St. Francis received the stigmata while observing St. Michael’s Lent, we too can expect powerful graces when we offer this devotion with love and perseverance.

The Chutes and Ladders of Fasting

Fasting can feel like a game of Chutes and Ladders. Sometimes we climb toward virtue and holiness, and other times we stumble down a chute of weakness or failure. But the lesson of this devotion is clear: we must keep playing.

Every failure is an opportunity to get back up, look for the ladders of grace God provides, and keep moving toward the ultimate prize—heaven.

When we view fasting through this lens, setbacks don’t define us. Instead, they become part of the journey, reminding us that perseverance and trust in God are the real victories.

How to Practice St. Michael’s Lent

To emulate St. Francis and honor St. Michael, here’s how you can take part in this 40-day devotion:

1. Follow the precepts of the Church, including Mass and Confession as needed.

2. Fast and abstain using the Delay and Pray method from August 15 to September 29.

3. Pray the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel (or other suitable prayers) daily.

4. On September 29, make an Act of Consecration to St. Michael the Archangel.

Though the devotion spans 46 days on the calendar, Sundays and holy days are excluded as feasts, leaving 40 true days of fasting and prayer.

Staying in the Game

The key to St. Michael’s Lent is perseverance. Even if you stumble, you stay in the game. Every time you choose to get back up and keep climbing, you grow in holiness and bring your family closer to heaven. The grace of God, the prayers of Our Lady, and the protection of St. Michael are more than enough to help you endure.

So as we begin this season, let’s embrace the challenge, accept the chutes as part of the journey, and look with hope toward the ladders that lift us higher. The goal is clear: to reach that great heavenly ribbon at the end of life, by God’s grace.

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