Michaelmas, the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel (also the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, Uriel and Raphael, the Feast of the Archangels, or the Feast of Saint Michael and All Angels), is a day in the Western Christian liturgical year that occurs on 29 September.
This year, we Lowmans celebrated the feast of Michaelmas. I can take no credit, however, as Carter arranged it all! (Praise God!)
My birthday is just a few days before Michaelmas and on my birthday Carter surprised me with a note saying that we would be going on a mini retreat on the the Saturday of Michaelmas Embertide at Mount Saint Michael Benedictine Monastery! It was a much needed time away. My in-laws graciously took Felicity for the night and we drove a whole 5 minutes to the middle of nowhere (aka: the outskirts of Elkhorn). We prayed Vespers with monks, walked the gorgeous monastic grounds and gardens, and played cards and relaxed and read in the ever so charming Saint Raphael Retreat House. I read the autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila, while Carter read The Quest for Shakespeare by Joseph Pearce.
Here are some pictures from our lovely time:
Our anniversary falls on the Eve of Michaelmas, so Carter cooked me a delightful feast complete with traditional Michaelmas foods -- carrots and blackberries! (He apparently called the grocery store for a goose, but decided against it as it was too large for two!) He also gave me Michaelmas Daisies in a galvanized watering can (which had been on my wish list for a while!)
Delicious Whiskey-Glazed Carrots!
Blackberry Brandy Sauce over ice cream!
A very happy me!
Carter is very intense about pouring that sauce...
Michaelmas Daisies!
St. Michael and all the Archangels, pray for us!
