September 24, 2026

Special liturgies next week at St. Michael’s Cathedral

REGIONAL
Staff report

(IObserve file photo of St. Michael’s Cathedral)

SPRINGFIELD – All are invited to attend two special liturgies at the St. Michael’s Cathedral in Springfield, Sept. 29 and 30. On Tuesday, Sept. 29, Father Gary M. Dailey, the rector of the cathedral, will celebrate a 6 p.m. Mass marking the Solemnity of St. Michael, the patron saint of the the cathedral, as well as of the Diocese of Springfield. On this day, the Church celebrates all three of the archangels named in scripture, St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael. The feast is a Solemnity in the cathedral church.

“St. Michael the Archangel is the five-star general of God’s army of angels and he’s the heavenly protector against evil. He along with the other archangels, Gabriel and Raphael, are reminders to us that we do have heavenly guides and protectors in our daily life,” said Father Dailey.

“And this feast is not only the patronal feast of the cathedral church but of the Diocese of Springfield and I don’t think we could have a better patron,” he added.

On Wednesday, Sept. 30, the parish community of St. Michael’s Cathedral will celebrate its 160^th anniversary. Bishop William D. Byrne will celebrate this Solemnity at 6 p.m. in the cathedral. On September 30, 1866, the debt free St. Michael’s Church was officially dedicated and consecrated by Bishop John Joseph Williams of Boston, making it the first consecrated church in New England.  St. Michael’s first pastor was Father Michael Gallagher. 

Following the Mass, all will process to the St. Augustine Crypt Chapel where Bishop McDonnell was laid to rest on March 13, 2026 and bless the newly engraved door to his tomb.

The Sept. 30 Mass will be livestreamed on diospringfield.org.