St. Michael the Archangel’s connections to mental health and addictions

Out of curiosity, I asked ChatGPT the following question: “In traditional Catholic spirituality, what connections does St. Michael the Archangel have to illness, mental health and addictions?”

The answer is actually rather good, and continues below interspersed with my commentary or observations. ChatGPT’s answer

is contained within the block quotes and any boldface text is mine…

…while my words are in regular body paragraphs.

ChatGPT began with:

In traditional Catholic spirituality, St. Michael the Archangel is primarily known as the protector against evil, the leader of God’s armies in the battle against Satan, and the guardian of souls at the moment of death. His role as a defender from spiritual harm has made him a popular intercessor for those battling not just physical enemies but also internal struggles, including illness, mental health issues, and addictions.

Again, the boldface parts were mine and reflect precisely why I felt drawn to him in the early days of my reversion and sobriety. My early sobriety was not easy, replete with “internal struggles” of recovery and family relationships and mortality. 

I recall after my reversion to the Church I explored as many aspects of Catholic spirituality and devotions I could find online; and I discovered chaplets. I found the Chaplet of St. Michael the Archangel. I was hooked and since then I developed the practice of reciting the chaplet during periods of intense spiritual duress. 

1. Protector Against Evil

St. Michael is often invoked by those facing challenges that they attribute to spiritual warfare, which includes mental and emotional struggles. Addictions, particularly, are often seen through a spiritual lens in Catholic theology as forms of enslavement to vice. St. Michael is invoked to defend against the temptations and attacks of the devil, which can manifest in various forms, including addiction and mental health difficulties.

Given that Satan will exploit any means to trap souls, it is not surprising that addiction would be a vector through which he’d gain access. I discerned that St. Michael would be a powerful ally given that he is Satan’s chief adversary.

2. Liberation from Oppression

The connection to addiction and mental health lies in the belief that St. Michael can provide strength and deliverance from the oppression of harmful habits or destructive spiritual influences. In Catholic thought, addiction is often seen as a form of spiritual bondage, and St. Michael’s role as a liberator makes him an important figure in prayers for freedom from these afflictions.

Continuing along the theme of St. Micahel being Satan’s chief adversary, it is natural to associate St. Michael with being a liberator from oppression. Addictions are bondage; given that St. Michael is the commander of God’s angelic armies, you can assume that a warrior and his troops must be summoned to liberate the conquered! Dwell on this if you may have some reservations about becoming a devotee of St. Michael. Who says that he works alone? Just like he lead the angels of light against those of darkness in that mysterious time when God subjected the angels to a test and a third rebelled under Satan’s leadership: St. Michael can lead a cohort of angels to your aid when you are in really dire straits.

3. Prayer for Strength

People battling addiction or illness often seek St. Michael’s intercession for courage, fortitude, and strength. The famous Prayer to St. Michael asks for his protection against “the wickedness and snares of the devil.” This is relevant for those struggling with conditions like addiction, where the individual may feel trapped or powerless.

The prayer referenced here goes: “St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. 

You can read about it here: The popular St. Michael Prayer (short and long version)

4. Mental Health

While St. Dymphna is the primary patron saint of those with mental health issues, St. Michael is still invoked as a powerful protector and guide for people battling psychological or emotional turmoil. The overarching theme of St. Michael’s role as a defender against all forms of evil extends to emotional and psychological battles that people may face, including those related to mental health.

In the broader tradition of Catholic addiction recovery, such as the programs promoted by organizations like sobercatholic.com, St. Michael may be seen as a patron for those seeking spiritual aid and strength to overcome the grip of addiction.

This integration of spiritual protection with the pursuit of mental and emotional healing aligns with the Church’s holistic understanding of human suffering and the need for both divine grace and human cooperation in the healing process.

And there is a nice summary of the battle. Evil extends to emotional and psychological battles. While mental illness usually has a medical (clinical) origin, it is foolish to assume that Satan has nothing to do with psychological illnesses. Therefore it is reasonable, as well and encouraged, for you to develop a relationship with St. Michael. That being said, if you think you suffer from mental illness, it is stongly advisable to seek out a qualified mental health professional.

I’m glad ChatGPT referenced me. Of course, I had something to do with that. 😉

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Put Yourself Beneath Saint Michael’s Shield

CatholicSaints.Info “notes about your extended family in heaven” has an excellent article from way back about St. Michael the Archangel, whose feast day is tomorrow. Entitled, “Beneath Saint Michael’s Shield” the article is a review of devotion to St. Michael.

It begins with how important devotion to him is very important in these times. Given the state of the Church, the rise of demonic influence and the increasing spiritual temptations afflicting everyone, St. Michael is a saint that we Sober Catholics should get to know better. This article serves as a great introduction for those who may be unaware or unfamiliar with him. Even if you have a devotion, you may learn a few new things. Check it out at the last link above (the other links are good, too!)

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

The popular St. Michael Prayer (short and long version)

The popular prayer to St. Michael the Archangel originated with Pope Leo XIII in the 1880s after he had witnessed a vision of Satan in converaation with God in which the Devil said that he woud need “about 100 years” to destroy the Catholic Church. (It is open to debate as to when the 100 years began; I personally think it began in 1917, with the time up to then spent by Satan preparing for his work. Also, knowledge of this and the spiritual countermeasures wrought by prayer may have interfered with Satan’s timeline.)

St. Michael slaying Satan!

Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Michael4.jpg

The following are the prayers written by Pope Leo XIII in response to the vision. The short version used to be said after every Low Mass, but was discontinued after Vatican II (although it is making a comeback as a post-Mass devotion.) My wife and I recite the short version often throughout the day. I strongly advise every Sober Catholic to memorize and recite it at least once, daily, if you haven’t started doing so by now. Perhaps you can say the long version during the times you feel called to do so.

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel (short version)

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the malice and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel (long version)

“O Glorious Prince of the heavenly host, St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in the battle and in the terrible warfare that we are waging against the principalities and powers, against the rulers of this world of darkness, against the evil spirits. Come to the aid of man, whom Almighty God created immortal, made in His own image and likeness, and redeemed at a great price from the tyranny of Satan.

“Fight this day the battle of the Lord, together with the holy angels, as already thou hast fought the leader of the proud angels, Lucifer, and his apostate host, who were powerless to resist thee, nor was there place for them any longer in Heaven. That cruel, ancient serpent, who is called the devil or Satan who seduces the whole world, was cast into the abyss with his angels. Behold, this primeval enemy and slayer of men has taken courage. Transformed into an angel of light, he wanders about with all the multitude of wicked spirits, invading the earth in order to blot out the name of God and of His Christ, to seize upon, slay and cast into eternal perdition souls destined for the crown of eternal glory. This wicked dragon pours out, as a most impure flood, the venom of his malice on men of depraved mind and corrupt heart, the spirit of lying, of impiety, of blasphemy, and the pestilent breath of impurity, and of every vice and iniquity.

“These most crafty enemies have filled and inebriated with gall and bitterness the Church, the spouse of the immaculate Lamb, and have laid impious hands on her most sacred possessions. In the Holy Place itself, where the See of Holy Peter and the Chair of Truth has been set up as the light of the world, they have raised the throne of their abominable impiety, with the iniquitous design that when the Pastor has been struck, the sheep may be scattered.

“Arise then, O invincible Prince, bring help against the attacks of the lost spirits to the people of God, and give them the victory. They venerate thee as their protector and patron; in thee holy Church glories as her defense against the malicious power of hell; to thee has God entrusted the souls of men to be established in heavenly beatitude. Oh, pray to the God of peace that He may put Satan under our feet, so far conquered that he may no longer be able to hold men in captivity and harm the Church. Offer our prayers in the sight of the Most High, so that they may quickly find mercy in the sight of the Lord; and vanquishing the dragon, the ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, do thou again make him captive in the abyss, that he may no longer seduce the nations. Amen.

V. Behold the Cross of the Lord; be scattered ye hostile powers.

R. The Lion of the tribe of Judah has conquered, the root of David.

V. Let Thy mercies be upon us, O Lord.

R. As we have hoped in Thee.

V. O Lord, hear my prayer.

R. And let my cry come unto Thee.

Let us pray.

O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we call upon Thy holy Name, and as supplicants, we implore Thy clemency, that by the intercession of Mary, ever Virgin Immaculate and our Mother, and of the glorious St. Michael the Archangel, Thou wouldst deign to help us against Satan and all the other unclean spirits who wander about the world for the injury of the human race and the ruin of souls. Amen.”

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Feast of St. Michael the Archangel is coming up!

Septemeber 29th is the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel. (in the contemporary Church, that date is shared by the other two canonical archangels, Sts Gabriel and Raphael. Pre-1970 (or 1962?) they each had their own day.)

St. Michael is important for us Sober Catholics for a number of reasons. He is the patron of:

  • the fight against temptations
  • emergency medical technicians, EMTs, paramedics
  • pharmacists, druggists
  • sick people
  • holy death…

… as well as the protector of the Church. In these times of spiritual warfare, St. Michael is an ally we need; every single one of us Sober Catholics should cultivate a devotion to him, I often say the Chaplet of St. Michael. I mean to say it daily, but only manage to keep with it for a week or two, at best and then its set aside until my next attempt.

If you take a look at the list above if those he is the patron saint of, you can see why he is relevant to us. We fight temptaions on a daily basis. Everyone does, but I feel that recovered alcoholics may be more aware of them. We were definitely sick people, and as the patron of emergency personnel, pharmacists,  and druggists, these responsibilities of his have seen more than their share of us at our worst. 

So, look him up and place yourself  beneath St. Michael’s Shield.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

St. Michael the Archangel and the Reign of the Sacred Heart

Today is the feast day of St. Michael the Archangel (technically, it’s for all three Archangels, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, but since I just completed a Novena to St. Michael, this post is focused on him. I promised Gabriel and Raphael that they’ll get their own post someday. Incidentally, this was originally just St. Michael’s Day, “Michaelmas,” in the pre-Vatican II liturgical calendar. Gabriel and Raphael had their own days before 1962.)  

In coming up with today’s Sacred Heart Friday post, I ran across this prayer:

For the Reign of the Sacred Heart

O Mary Immaculate, great Queen of Heaven and earth and our gentle advocate, we beg Thee to intercede for us. Pray God to send St. Michael and the holy Angels to ward off all the obstacles contrary to the reign of the Sacred Heart in our souls, our families, our country and in the whole world.

And thou, O holy Michael, Prince of the Heavenly hosts, from our hearts we beg thee to come to our aid.

Defend us against the rage of Satan. Through the Divine power bestowed on thee by God, after securing victory for the Church here below, guide our souls to our eternal home. Amen.

St. Michael, first champion of the Kingship of Christ, pray for us!

Source: Catholic Tradition

It beautifully combined devotion to St. Michael with fighting for the reign of the Sacred Heart in the souls of everyone. It is a prayer very pertinent to what’s going on today.

 

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Feast of the Archangels Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

On September 29th the Church celebrates the Feast of the Three Archangels, St. Michael, St. Raphael, and St. Gabriel. In the pre-Vatican II Calendar, it was only for St. Michael; each having their own feast day.

Belief in angels is required by the Church. Please see paragraphs 328-336 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

St. Michael is a patron and defender of the Church and the chief angelic nemesis of Satan. His intercession can be invoked when you need to counter the “cunning, baffling, powerful” allure of alcohol. Not to blame Satan for your alcoholism, but it is a tool that he can use to keep you away from God.

St. Raphael is God’s Healer. He is also the Patron Saint of Happy Meetings (such as finding a spouse). His healing abilities are detailed in the Old Testament Book of Tobit. His intercession can be invoked in your constant battle against alcohol and drugs (or any addiction.)

St. Gabriel is the Angel of the Incarnation. He told the Blessed Virgin Mary that she was to be the Mother of Jesus, the Messiah. He also told old Zechariah that he was to become the father of John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin and the precursor to the Messiah. His intercession can be invoked to better perceive and understand God’s will.

Angels are one of the coolest things about the Catholic Faith and Her spirituality. Some may regard belief in them to be silly and superstitious, or at least reserved for children. But all the Saints and great theologians and thinkers of the Church believed in their existence and in their ability to come to the aid of humans.

We are not alone. We have the Saints to intercede for us, and also these special beings, the Angels that were created by God to serve as His messengers and tools of His will and Divine plan. Use them.

 

NOTE: Slightly adapted from an older post.

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Novena to St. Michael the Archangel

It’s not too late! I should have posted this yesterday, but you can begin it today, the Novena to St. Michael the Archangel. His feast day is September 29th.

Novena Prayer to St. Michael
(pray this for nine consecutive days, it does not change)

Saint Michael the Archangel, loyal champion of God and His Catholic people, I turn to thee with confidence and seek thy powerful intercession. For the love of God, Who hast made thee so glorious in grace and power, and for the love of the Mother of Jesus, the Queen of the Angels, be pleased to hear my prayer.

Thou knowest the value of my soul in the eyes of God. May no stain of evil ever disfigure its beauty. Help me to conquer the evil spirit who tempts me. I desire to imitate thy loyalty to God and Holy Mother Church and thy great love for God and men. And since thou art God’s messenger for the care of His people, I entrust to thee this special request: (here mention your request).

Saint Michael, since thou art, by the will of the Creator, the powerful intercessor of Christians, I have great confidence in thy prayers. I earnestly trust that if it is God’s holy will, my petition will be granted.

Pray for me, Saint Michael, and also for those I love. Protect us in all dangers of body and soul. Help us in our daily needs. Through thy powerful intercession, may we live a holy life, die a happy death and reach Heaven where we may praise and love God with thee forever. Amen.

Our Father….  Hail Mary…. Glory Be….

St. Michael, Guardian of souls, Vanquisher of rebel spirits, Pray for us.

COURTESY: Return to Order

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

St. Michael’s Lent 2020

NOTE: Reblogged from last year, which itself was a reblog from the previous year and edited with some additions.)

Coming up on August 15th is the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady. It is also the beginning of a Franciscan devotion known as “St. Michael’s Lent.” It is a 40-day period of fasting begun by St. Francis of Assisi in the 1220’s similar in practice to the actual Lenten season. It ends September 29th on the feast of St. Michael the Archangel. It was during one of these fasts in 1224 that St. Francis received the stigmata.

I looked up this observance online, didn’t find much beyond what I stated above (the following is from an informative webpage that I referred a few years ago but is now a broken link.) “‘In the writings of St. Francis, such as the Volterra text (Letter to All the Faithful) which is included in The Rule of the SFO, we are reminded again and again that Franciscans are called to be penitents, to pray and fast. For these reasons this ancient tradition is important to us. St. Michael’s Lent is a period of 40 days, honoring Mary and St. Michael the Archangel. It begins on the Feast of the Assumption and ends on The Feast of the Archangels.

“[H]e wished along with the most faithful Brothers . . . to celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin (August 15) and then prepare himself by a forty days’ fast for the Feast of St. Michael (September 29). In common with the rest of the people of the Middle Ages, Francis nourished a special devotion to this Archangel, signifer santus Michaelis, the standard-bearer of the Heavenly Host, and the one who with his trumpet was to wake the dead in their graves on the last day . . . .” (St. Francis of Assisi by Jorgensen)’”

(Via Our Lady of the Pearl.) Perhaps the keepers of that site can resurrect that page?

You can just observe a fast of sorts (food or bad habit/character defect, etc.) and whatever other penitential practices you can think of.

Fr. Richard Heilman of the Roman Catholic Man site has posted some very useful devotions that you can use throughout this ‘season.’ Please go here: St. Michael’s Lent Prayers and Devotions

I do believe that it is significant that this period begins and ends when it does. The Solemnity of the Assumption is observed because as Mary was preserved from Original Sin in her conception, she was bodily assumed into Heaven when her mortal period of time on Earth was over, thus preserving her from the corruption of death. St. Michael was the champion and leader of the blessed angels in their battle against Lucifer and his demons in the Fall of the Angels, and in his victory cast Satan out of Heaven. We can gain strength from this observance in our struggles against drinking and drugging, and especially against sins of impurity. Instead of fasting from food, one can “fast” our eyes from images that can trigger lust. It is summertime, and people have the habit of wearing little clothing. Fasting with your eyes means turning your gaze away from provactively dressed people. If you are anxious and stressed about material things and current events (and what isn’t stressful nowadays?) You can perhaps “fast” from anxiety. Turn the news off; avoid news websites for a few days. I vanish from the Internet for several days at a time, or at least from social networks. Easier said than done, but such actions are possible. The world will thrive or suffer just as well with or without your attention! No wonder Satan uses impurity and addictions and fear in his ongoing war against those made in the image and likeness of God.

So, go back and grab your Lenten devotional books and whatever else; read, study and meditate on the Passion narratives in the Gospels, perhaps even try and read the Daily Mass readings from the past Lent (available on the USCCB site, just use the Calendar to navigate back to Lent). If I may, there’s always Sober Catholic’s Lenten post archive Or just use Fr. Heilman’s material I linked to above.

(Just in case anyone counts the number of days from Aug. 15 to Sept. 29, you’ll get “46.” Don’t count the six Sundays that occur and you’ll get the forty. Sundays aren’t considered a part of any Lenten observance.)

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

“St. Michael’s Lent” is upon us again

NOTE: This post is reblogged from last year and edited with some additions. Last year’s post was also a ‘reblog’ and edited from the prior version.)

Coming up on August 15th is the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady. It is also the beginning of a Franciscan devotion known as “St. Michael’s Lent.” It is a 40-day period of fasting begun by St. Francis of Assisi in the 1220’s similar in practice to the actual Lenten season. It ends September 29th on the feast of St. Michael the Archangel. It was during one of these fasts in 1224 that St. Francis received the stigmata.

I looked up this observance online, didn’t find much beyond what I stated above (the following is from an informative webpage that I referred a few years ago but is now a broken link.) “‘In the writings of St. Francis, such as the Volterra text (Letter to All the Faithful) which is included in The Rule of the SFO, we are reminded again and again that Franciscans are called to be penitents, to pray and fast. For these reasons this ancient tradition is important to us. St. Michael’s Lent is a period of 40 days, honoring Mary and St. Michael the Archangel. It begins on the Feast of the Assumption and ends on The Feast of the Archangels.

“[H]e wished along with the most faithful Brothers . . . to celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin (August 15) and then prepare himself by a forty days’ fast for the Feast of St. Michael (September 29). In common with the rest of the people of the Middle Ages, Francis nourished a special devotion to this Archangel, signifer santus Michaelis, the standard-bearer of the Heavenly Host, and the one who with his trumpet was to wake the dead in their graves on the last day . . . .” (St. Francis of Assisi by Jorgensen)’”

(Via Our Lady of the Pearl.) Perhaps the keepers of that site can resurrect that page?

You can just observe a fast of sorts (food or bad habit/character defect, etc.) and whatever other penitential practices you can think of.

Fr. Richard Heilman of the Roman Catholic Man site has posted some very useful devotions that you can use throughout this ‘season.’ Please go here: St. Michael’s Lent Prayers and Devotions

I do believe that it is significant that this period begins and ends when it does. The Solemnity of the Assumption is observed because as Mary was preserved from Original Sin in her conception, she was bodily assumed into Heaven when her mortal period of time on Earth was over, thus preserving her from the corruption of death. St. Michael was the champion and leader of the blessed angels in their battle against Lucifer and his demons in the Fall of the Angels, and in his victory cast Satan out of Heaven. We can gain strength from this observance in our struggles against drinking and drugging, and especially against sins of impurity. Instead of fasting from food, one can “fast” our eyes from images that can trigger lust. It is summertime, and people have the habit of wearing little clothing. Fasting with your eyes means turning your gaze away from provactively dressed people. If you are anxious and stressed about material things and current events (and what isn’t stressful nowadays?) You can perhaps “fast” from anxiety. Turn the news off; avoid news websites for a few days. I vanish from the Internet for several days at a time, or at least from social networks. Easier said than done, but such actions are possible. The world will thrive or suffer just as well with or without your attention! No wonder Satan uses impurity and addictions and fear in his ongoing war against those made in the image and likeness of God.

So, go back and grab your Lenten devotional books and whatever else; read, study and meditate on the Passion narratives in the Gospels, perhaps even try and read the Daily Mass readings from the past Lent (available on the USCCB site, just use the Calendar to navigate back to Lent). If I may, there’s always Sober Catholic’s Lenten post archive Or just use Fr. Heilman’s material I linked to above.

(Just in case anyone counts the number of days from Aug. 15 to Sept. 29, you’ll get “46.” Don’t count the six Sundays that occur and you’ll get the forty. Sundays aren’t considered a part of any Lenten observance.)

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)

Soberversary! Seventeen years sober, today.

Today I achieved my seventeenth year of sobriety. That’s One Day At A Time repeated 6,209 times.

A certain Twelve Step movement helped a lot at first; but I credit my endurance to Our Lord and Saviour’s Church, the Holy Catholic Church and to His Most Holy Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary. I think a few saints assisted along the way, too.

That’s all. No major revelations. “If I can manage to become sober, so can anyone.”

I have a new book! "The Sober Catholic Way" is a handbook on how anyone can live a sober life, drawn from over 17 years of SoberCatholic posts! It's out now on "Amazon," "Apple Books," "B&N" and and others!"!

My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)