The original St. Michaal prayer - and the story

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The following is the original St. Michael Prayer penned by Pope Leo XIII in 1884. After saying Mass, as he was descending the steps of the altar, the Pope stood motionless for several minutes, then passed out as if dead. The Cardinal’s present rushed to his aid. Once revived the Pope told what had happened: He said that he heard the voice of the devil say that he could destroy God’s Church. The voice of God responded “go ahead and try”. The devil then said that he needed more time and more power. When asked how much time and how much power, the devil responded by saying, “seventy-five to one hundred years and more power over those who will give themselves to my service”. The voice of God responded “you have the time, and you have the power”. The Pope was then given a vision of the Church in the future. At this sight, the Pope fainted. After being revived, the Pope immediately penned the following prayer and commanded that it be prayed after every low-Mass. The prayer has been revised several times, but the following prayer is the original version. It should also be noted that exactly seventy-five years after the Pope received the vision, the second Vatican Council was convened. The implementation of that Council has brought what Pope Leo XIII witnessed in his vision. Let us do our part to counter attack the influence of Satan by reciting the following prayer daily for the restoration of the Church.

Original Prayer to St. Michael: O Glorious Archangel St. Michael, Prince of the heavenly host, be our defense in the terrible warfare which we carry on against principalities and powers, against the rulers of this world of darkness, spirits of evil. Come to the aid of man, whom God created immortal, made in His own image and likeness, and redeemed at a great price from the tyranny of the devil.

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, that 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 has been set up the See of the most holy Peter and the Chair of Truth for 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 conciliate the mercies of the Lord; and beating down 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.

The following is the final revision of the St. Michael prayer, before being dropped all together in 1969: 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.
 
I’d like to see some serious discussion on this, if it’s possible. Based on the little internet research I tried to do, the only time I see this full prayer listed is on the conspiracy theory-type websites (those that claim JPII is doing the work of the devil, the next pope will be anti-Christ, etc…). Can we verify that this “original prayer” is authentic? It may be very obviously documented somewhere, I just can’t find it. Like I said, just doing a little Google work, I can only find the “original version” on these websites that also claim some rather volatile anti-Pope things.
 
Pope John Paul II (St. Peter’s Square, Sunday, April 24 1994):
"May prayer strengthen us for the spiritual battle we are told about in the Letter to the Ephesians: “Draw strength from the Lord and from His mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10). The Book of Revelation refers to this same battle, recalling before our eyes the image of St. Michael the Archangel (Revelation 12:7). Pope Leo XIII certainly had a very vivid recollection of this scene when, at the end of the last century, he introduced a special prayer to St. Michael throughout the Church. Although this prayer is no longer recited at the end of Mass, I ask everyone not to forget it and to recite it to obtain help in the battle against forces of darkness and against the spirit of this world."
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See EWTN article here: ewtn.com/expert/answers/st_michael_prayer.htm
 
Scotty PGH:
I’d like to see some serious discussion on this, if it’s possible. Based on the little internet research I tried to do, the only time I see this full prayer listed is on the conspiracy theory-type websites (those that claim JPII is doing the work of the devil, the next pope will be anti-Christ, etc…). Can we verify that this “original prayer” is authentic? It may be very obviously documented somewhere, I just can’t find it. Like I said, just doing a little Google work, I can only find the “original version” on these websites that also claim some rather volatile anti-Pope things.
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Why would an ecumenical website carry this prayer? I can hardly find the current abbreviated version or its origin story on a VATII ecumenical website.
Additional examples: Try to find the Oath against modernism at Ordination, and the Papal Installation Oath on a similar web site.
All references to battles with satan, or conflict with the “world” of modernism are pretty much purged out of the Official memory of the church since 1970. I see Dave gives a notable exception from JPII 10 yrs ago.
I cannot vouch for the original St Michael Prayer, but I think there is documentation on the before/after 1937.
I’ll look for it.
God Bless PGH.
since those who live there are, already.
 
TNT,
All references to battles with satan, or conflict with the “world” of modernism are pretty much purged out of the Official memory of the church since 1970. I see Dave gives a notable exception from JPII 10 yrs ago.
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Note too the 2003 Daily Roman Missal, but more importantly, the practice after and/or before daily Mass in St. Patrick’s (my parish) and St. Mary’s (the cathedral). 😉
 
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itsjustdave1988:
TNT,
Note too the 2003 Daily Roman Missal, but more importantly, the practice after and/or before daily Mass in St. Patrick’s (my parish) and St. Mary’s (the cathedral). 😉
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Let us also mention every TLM
 
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itsjustdave1988:
TNT,
Note too the 2003 Daily Roman Missal, but more importantly, the practice after and/or before daily Mass in St. Patrick’s (my parish) and St. Mary’s (the cathedral). 😉
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Let us also mention every TLM

Now, do you have any good source on the Original Prayer?
 
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TNT:
Let us also mention every TLM
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Yep, at St. Joe’s, after the low Mass, that is.
Now, do you have any good source on the Original Prayer?
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The Leonine prayer after Mass, if I remember correctly, was the following:
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
*(Said 3 times) *

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee to we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mouring and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this exile, show unto us the blessed Fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.
O God, our refuge and our strength, look down with mercy upon the people who cry to Thee; and by the intercession of the glorious and immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of Saint Joseph her spouse, of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the saints, in Thy mercy and goodness hear our prayers for the conversion of sinners, and for the liberty and exaltation of the Holy Mother the Church. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.

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 the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us.
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This is also the one recited at the cathedral after daily Mass, led by one of the lay members, who is old enough to remember, but not too old to lack memory 😉

The St. Michael prayer may have indeed had a longer version, but the prayers above were the Leonine prayers said after low Mass, I believe.

I don’t have an old missal, however, which is probably the best source.
 
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itsjustdave1988:
Yep, at St. Joe’s, after the low Mass, that is.
The Leonine prayer after Mass, if I remember correctly, was the following:
This is also the one recited at the cathedral after daily Mass, led by one of the lay members, who is old enough to remember, but not too old to lack memory 😉

The St. Michael prayer may have indeed had a longer version, but the prayers above were the Leonine prayers said after low Mass, I believe.

I don’t have an old missal, however, which is probably the best source.
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I’m looking for reliable documentation on the “original version” (quoted in the first message on this thread), not the version you’re talking about that is said every day at your church, etc.
 
Scotty PGH:
I’m looking for reliable documentation on the “original version” (quoted in the first message on this thread), not the version you’re talking about that is said every day at your church, etc.
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According to this cite: solt3.org/exorcism1.htm

The orginal version they present was "**taken from The Raccolta, twelfth edition, published by Burnes, Oates & Washbourne Ltd., publishers to the Holy See, London, 1935, originally **published in the Roman Raccolta of July 23, 1898, and a supplement approved July 31, 1902:"

Unless you have access to old books, verification might be difficult. But, at least this web cite actually cites a source.
 
Would this site posting help?
It seems to admit the original.
saint-mike.org/Apologetics/QA/Answers/Spiritual_Warfare/s991026H.html

a commentary:
**St. Michael’s Prayer is the original version as written by Pope Leo XIII. It is taken from The Raccolta, twelfth edition, published by Burnes, Oates & Washbourne Ltd., publishers to the Holy See, London, 1935, originally published in the Roman Raccolta of July 23, 1898, and a supplement approved July 31, 1902:

**I charge for any further detective work

Dave, yur just toooo fast.
 
Scotty PGH:
I’m looking for reliable documentation on the “original version” (quoted in the first message on this thread), not the version you’re talking about that is said every day at your church, etc.
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The original prayer was in the *Raccolta. *The prayer has been revised several times; each time becoming shorter and shorter. I have a copy of the Raccolta from the 1930’s and it has a slightly different version than the one quoted above. I actually prefer the way it is worded in the version I have, but it is a little shorter and leaves out the part about the corruption of the Papacy - a portion which is being fulfilled in our day, before our very eyes.

The original prayer is in the 1898 version (London: Burnes, Oates & Washbourne Ltd., 1935, 12th edition.)

**
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RSiscoe:
before being dropped all together in 1969:
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**
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Dave:
Dropped? As a formal part of the liturgy, yes. As a private devotion after Mass, no.
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Let me clarify: before being dropped from the Mass. Pope Leo XIII commanded that it be said after every low Mass. This order was obeyed until it was dropped - and thus no longer said after every low Mass - in 1969. Of course they did not forbid it as a private devotion; but they did drop it from the Mass. And yes, there may be one Church out of a hundred in which the prayers is said by lay people after Mass; but that does not change the fact that the prayer was dropped from the liturgy.

I wonder who was behind the prayer being dropped? Do you think it was St. Michael? Or rather him whom the prayer was directed against?

“O Glorious Archangel St. Michael, Prince of the heavenly host, be our defense in the terrible warfare which we carry on against principalities and powers, against the rulers of this world of darkness, spirits of evil… 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, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil or Satan… 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 has been set up the See of the most holy Peter and the Chair of Truth for 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.”

This is what is taking place before our very eyes.
 
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itsjustdave1988:
According to this cite: solt3.org/exorcism1.htm

The orginal version they present was "**taken from The Raccolta, twelfth edition, published by Burnes, Oates & Washbourne Ltd., publishers to the Holy See, London, 1935, originally **published in the Roman Raccolta of July 23, 1898, and a supplement approved July 31, 1902:"

Unless you have access to old books, verification might be difficult. But, at least this web cite actually cites a source.
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OK, this is great. Thanks a lot!
 
Of course the following is nothing but mere speculation…
The implementation of that Council has brought what Pope Leo XIII witnessed in his vision.
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Is there a pre-Vatican II document that even mentions if this vision even occured? What are the details?

"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 has been set up the See of the most holy Peter and the Chair of Truth for the light of the world, they have raised the throne of their abominable impiety, "

I find it more probable that the above pertains to Pope Leo XIII’s struggle he had with obtaining complete sovereignty for the Holy See from the Kingdom of Italy. “Possessions” of the Church were being taken by the Italian monarch. Leo XIII is railing against secular powers and modernism of HIS DAY, praying that it be defeated.
 
RSiscoe,

Do you have a pre-Vatican II source for the supposed vision? Or could this be a fabrication copies all over the internet by those baised against Vatican II in an attempt to make St. Michael’s prayer about the supposed “evils” of Vatican II?
 
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jrabs:
We say this daily at our mass.
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God bless you!

Ya know, I’ve gone to daily Mass at two parishes in C. Springs: St. Mary’s (cathedral) and St. Patricks. 2 out of 2 say this prayer, as well as the Rosary and some others, either before or after Mass.

2 for 2 doesn’t make me think 1 in 100 is a likely stat.

I pray that maybe one day the TLM movement can focus on building up their prayer communities without having to resort to tearing down other prayer communities.
 
TNT, I can vouch for the fact that the Prayer to St. Michael was said as a Benediction by the Priest at the end of every Mass in the days when the Mass was said in Latin.
members.aol.com/bjw1106/marian7a.htm

Read the last paragraph… Since this practice has been stopped there has been an increase in Abortions, Murder, Illicite sex, pornography and homosexual activity. It was stopped in 1970, I believe.

Pope Leo’s life ( Catholic Encylopedia)
newadvent.org/cathen/09169a.htm
 
Exporter said:
TNT, I can vouch for the fact that the Prayer to St. Michael was said as a Benediction by the Priest at the end of every Mass in the days when the Mass was said in Latin.
members.aol.com/bjw1106/marian7a.htm

Read the last paragraph… Since this practice has been stopped there has been an increase in Abortions, Murder, Illicite sex, pornography and homosexual activity. It was stopped in 1970, I believe.

Pope Leo’s life ( Catholic Encylopedia)
newadvent.org/cathen/09169a.htm
Click to expand...

Since I sneezed yesterday, there has been an increase in abortions, murder, illicit sex, pornography, and homosexual activity. Obviously, I should be more careful. http://forums.catholic-questions.org/images/icons/icon6.gif
 
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