Seraphim to angels

The whole hierarchy of heaven, invoked in order.

Christian tradition, following Pseudo-Dionysius and St. Thomas Aquinas, arranges the angels in nine choirs. The Chaplet of St. Michael salutes each of them in turn; these are the salutations, which can be prayed on their own.

The Nine Salutations

By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Seraphim,
may the Lord make us worthy to burn with the fire of perfect charity. Amen.

By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Cherubim,
may the Lord grant us the grace to leave the ways of sin
and run in the paths of Christian perfection. Amen.

By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Thrones,
may the Lord infuse into our hearts a true and sincere spirit of humility. Amen.

By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Dominions,
may the Lord give us grace to govern our senses
and overcome any unruly passions. Amen.

By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Powers,
may the Lord protect our souls against the snares of the devil. Amen.

By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Virtues,
may the Lord preserve us from evil and from falling into temptation. Amen.

By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Principalities,
may God fill our souls with a true spirit of obedience. Amen.

By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Archangels,
may the Lord give us perseverance in faith and in all good works,
that we may gain the glory of heaven. Amen.

By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Angels,
may the Lord grant us their protection in this life
and a happy passage to eternal glory. Amen.

The Choirs

In descending order: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones; Dominions, Virtues, Powers; Principalities, Archangels, Angels. The names are drawn from Scripture — Isaiah, Ezekiel, Colossians and Ephesians among others — and arranged by later theologians.

About This Devotion

Each salutation asks for a different grace, and the sequence is worth noticing: it begins with charity and ends with a happy death, which is the shape of a whole Christian life.