Holy Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do you, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
The background of Holy Michael, the Archangel, Defend Us in Battle
The prayer “Holy Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle” is a Catholic prayer that has a long history. It is a prayer that invokes the protection and guidance of the archangel Michael, who is believed to be a powerful defender of the faith and a protector of the faithful.
The origins of the prayer can be traced back to the early Church, where it was used by Christians to seek the intercession and protection of the archangel Michael in times of danger and distress.
Over time, the prayer evolved and became more widely known and used by Catholics throughout the world.
The prayer has been attributed to Pope Leo XIII, who in 1886 added it to the prayers after Low Mass. The prayer was composed in response to a mystical experience that the Pope had, where he witnessed a confrontation between Jesus Christ and Satan.
The prayer was later included as part of the Leonine Prayers, which were recited after Mass until they were abolished in 1964.
Today, the Holy Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle prayer remains a popular devotional practice for many Catholics. It is often recited by soldiers, police officers, and others who are engaged in dangerous work, as a way of invoking the intercession and protection of the archangel Michael.