A Short
History of the Prayer of St. Michael the Archangel
The
Prayer of St. Michael the Archangel goes back to the late
19th Century. In 1884, Pope Leo XIII was finishing Mass and
was walking away from the Tabernacle when he collapsed.
Those that were at the Mass surrounded him and when a pulse
could not be found, he was thought to be dead. The Pope then
"came to", having collapsed in a state of ecstasy. He then
related what he had experienced.From in front of the
Tabernacle, he had heard a confrontation between Jesus and
Satan. Satan was bragging to Jesus that if he had enough
time and enough power, he could destroy the Church. Jesus
asked him "How much time and how much power?" Satan replied
he would need a century and more influence over those that
would give themselves to him. Jesus said, "So be it." The
20th Century is the century that was given to him to test
the world.The Pope was quite shaken having heard this and
went immediately to write the Exorcism Prayer, of which the
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel is the short version.
Pope Leo XIII also knew that the Rosary would be the weapon
that would defeat Satan. He went on to write 13 Encyclicals
on the Rosary.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
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 may thou, O prince of
the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell
Satan, and all the evil spirits who wander through the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.