One of his most well-known is the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel, which he wrote in 1886. This prayer was initially intended to be recited after Mass in all Catholic churches, but its use has since been limited.
The prayer begins with the words “St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our defense 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.”
This prayer speaks to the reality of spiritual warfare that exists in our world. It acknowledges that the enemy of our souls, the devil, is constantly at work to try to lead us away from God and into sin. It also recognizes that we are not strong enough on our own to withstand the attacks of the devil and that we need the help of St. Michael and God’s power to overcome these attacks.
The Prayer to St. Michael is powerful because it helps to remind us of the reality of spiritual warfare. It is easy to forget that our battles are not just against the flesh and blood of this world, but against spiritual forces as well. This prayer helps us to remember that we are not alone in the fight, and that God is with us, fighting on our behalf.
Many people find comfort in reciting this prayer when they are facing difficult circumstances or when they are struggling against temptation. It is a reminder that we are not helpless, but that we have a powerful ally in St. Michael and in God.
Pope Leo XIII included this prayer in his own private devotions, and it is said that he was deeply devoted to St. Michael and to this prayer. In fact, it was reported that he would often fall into a deep trance after reciting this prayer, as if he were transported to another realm.
Overall, the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel is a powerful reminder of the spiritual battle that we are engaged in. It helps us to remember that we are not alone in this fight, and that God is fighting on our behalf. It is a potent weapon in our spiritual arsenal, and one that we should not hesitate to use whenever we feel under attack.