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Traditional Catholic prayer · St. Michael the Archangel
The Prayer to St. Michael
A short, powerful prayer for protection against evil, composed by Pope Leo XIII.
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 do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God, cast into hell Satan
and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
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, cast into hell Satan
and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Often prayed after Mass, and any time you need protection.
Where it comes from
Composed by Pope Leo XIII in 1886 and ordered to be said after Low Mass throughout the Church, a practice that continued until 1964. Many parishes have taken it up again.
Frequently asked
Why is it prayed after Mass?
Leo XIII added it to a set of prayers said after Mass for the Church's freedom. It is no longer required, but nothing forbids it — and it is widely prayed.
Who is St Michael?
An archangel named in Scripture, in Daniel, Jude and Revelation, where he leads the armies of heaven.
More Catholic prayers
- The Sign of the Cross
- The Our Father
- The Hail Mary
- The Glory Be
- The Apostles' Creed
- The Act of Contrition
- All prayers
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