In the 1880’s Pope Leo XIII instituted the Saint Michael Prayer to be added to the Leonine prayers (after mass prayers) recited after Low Mass within the Roman Rite of the Latin Church.
The Saint Michael Prayer was composed and added after Pope Leo XIII was celebrating mass at the Vatican when he saw a vision. This lasted some time where Pope Leo had a visible change come over his face and one claimed that he his face was “pale and fearful” as he saw the vision.
It is claimed that Pope Leo XIII witnessed a conversation between Jesus and Satan.
Stating that he can Destroy the Church & challenging Jesus that if given time (75-100 years) he could achieve this.
A Cardinal had reported that “Pope Leo XIII truly had a vision of demonic spirits, who were gathering on the Eternal City (ROME). From that experience, comes the prayer which he wanted the whole Church to recite.”
We are unsure exactly what did take place but it prompted Pope Leo XIII to compose the Saint Michael Prayer and be included after every mass at the time.
The Saint Michael Prayer is not recited after mass at present Novus Ordo Mass but has been shown importance from recent Popes like Saint Pope John Paul II asking Catholics to re-embrace this plea to the Prince of Angels daily, to overcome the forces of darkness and evil in the world.
defend us in hour of 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 hosts,
by the power of God,
Cast into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls.
