The History and Significance of St. Michael’s Prayer

St. Michael’s Prayer, commonly known as the Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel, is a popular Catholic prayer asking for the protection and intercession of St. Michael. Here is the text of the prayer: “Saint 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, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.”History of the Prayer The Prayer to St. Michael was composed by Pope Leo XIII around 1886.

The origin story of the prayer is quite dramatic: according to tradition, Pope Leo XIII had a vision after celebrating Mass. In this vision, he supposedly heard the voices of Jesus and Satan. Satan boasted that he could destroy the Church if given enough time and power, to which Jesus asked how much time and power he required. Satan asked for 75 to 100 years and a greater power over those who would give themselves to him. Deeply shaken by what he heard, Pope Leo XIII went to his office and composed this prayer to St. Michael, intending it as a protection against Satan and the evils threatening the Church.

The prayer was originally intended for private recitation by priests after celebrating Low Mass. In 1886, Pope Leo XIII decreed that it be recited throughout the Catholic Church. It was prayed universally after Low Masses until the liturgical reforms following the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s when it was generally suppressed as a required prayer. However, it remains a popular devotional prayer among Catholics, particularly in times of spiritual conflict and crisis. Pope John Paul II, in 1994, urged Catholics to not forget the prayer and to recite it to defend against evil and fortify the Church against the attacks of Satan. His call has rejuvenated the interest and use of this prayer in various Catholic communities worldwide.

If you feel inspired by St. Michael’s Prayer or have your own reflections on its significance, we invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s create a community of faith and inspiration together!

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Blessings,

Soli Deo Gloria

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