Episode 163, The Truth About The Nine Choirs of Angels
Meet Marge Fenelon
Marge Fenelon is an award-winning journalist, author, speaker, life coach, retreat leader, and Catholic media personality. She has written several books on Marian devotion, Catholic spirituality, and family life. In this episode, we explore her latest book, Defend Us in Battle: The Promises of St. Michael and the Heavenly Angels. This book is available at shopmercy.org (use code DUFL) and on her website margefenelon.com.
The Choirs of Angels
The inside front cover of the book features a stunning manuscript that depicts the nine choirs of angels. At the center are God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Blessed Virgin Mary, surrounded by the angelic hierarchies. The nine choirs are divided into three hierarchies:
- First Hierarchy: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones
- Second Hierarchy: Dominations, Virtues, Powers
- Third Hierarchy: Principalities, Archangels, Angels
The Impact of St. Michael the Archangel
In the introduction, Marge references St. Faustina and her experiences with St. Michael the Archangel, who assured her, “The Lord has ordered me to take special care of you. Know that you are hated by evil, but do not fear—Who is like God!”
The book provides a powerful explanation of the Chaplet of St. Michael, a powerful devotion given to a Carmelite nun, Sr. Antonia d’Astonaco, in 1751. St. Michael promised three blessings to those who pray this chaplet faithfully:
- An escort of nine angels, one from each choir, when receiving Holy Communion.
- Ongoing assistance from him and all the angels throughout life.
- After death, deliverance from Purgatory for themselves and their relations.
Hierarchy Among Angels
There are also depictions of seraphim, cherubim, and thrones. Seraphim burn with divine love, embody perfect charity, ans help us resist envy. Cherubim radiate divine light and guard sacred places, aiding us in overcoming spiritual sloth (acedia). Thrones model humility, helping us resist pride—a virtue often misunderstood as weakness in today’s world.
The second hierarchy includes the dominations, virtues, and powers. Dominations help us resist impurity, teaching us to channel our passions toward loving God. Virtues assist in combating avarice (greed), directing us toward the treasures of heaven. Powers support us in resisting despair and spiritual attacks.
The third hierarchy, closer to humanity, consists of the principalities, archangels, and angels. Principalities oversee nations and spiritual governance, helping us resist wrath. Archangels are God's messengers and warriors, interceding for humanity. Angels are the closest to us, guiding and protecting individuals daily.
Marge’s book is a profound resource for understanding and deepening our relationship with St. Michael and the heavenly hosts. Through prayer and devotion, we can draw closer to God and receive the powerful assistance of his angels.
