St. Michael is one of the principal angels; his name was the war-cry of the good angels in the battle fought in heaven against the enemy and his followers. Following these Scriptural passages, Christian tradition gives to St. Michael four offices:
- To fight against Satan.
- To rescue the souls of the faithful from the power of the enemy, especially at the hour of death.
- To be the champion of God’s people, the Jews in the Old Law, the Christians in the New Testament; therefore he was the patron of the Church, and of the orders of knights during the Middle Ages.
- To call away from earth and bring men’s souls to judgment.
Regarding his rank in the celestial hierarchy opinions vary; St. Basil (Hom. de angelis) and other Greek Fathers, also Salmeron, Bellarmine, etc., place St. Michael over all the angels; they say he is called “archangel” because he is the prince of the other angels; others (cf. P. Bonaventura, op. cit.) believe that he is the prince of the seraphim, the first of the nine angelic orders. But, according to St. Thomas (Summa Ia.113.3) he is the prince of the last and lowest choir, the angels. The Roman Liturgy seems to follow the GreekFathers; it calls him “Princeps militiae coelestis quem honorificant angelorum cives”.
Full Saint Michael Prayer
Origins of this Pope Leo XIII’s Saint Michael Prayer
| Princeps gloriosissime caelestis militiae, sancte Michaël Archangele, defende nos in praelio et colluctatione, quae nobis adversus principes et potestates, adversus mundi rectores tenebrarum harum, contra spiritualia nequitiae, in caelestibus. Veni in auxilium hominum, quos Deus creavit inexterminabiles, et ad imaginem similitudinis suae fecit, et a tyrannide diaboli emit pretio magno. Praeliare hodie cum beatorum Angelorum exercitu praelia Domini, sicut pugnasti contra ducem superbiae luciferum, et angelos ejus apostaticos: et non valuerunt, neque locus inventus est eorum amplius in coelo. Sed projectus est draco ille magnus, serpens antiquus, qui vocatur diabolus et satanas, qui seducit universum orbem; et projectus est in terram, et angeli ejus cum illo missi sunt. | O GLORIOUS Prince of the heavenly host, Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in the battle and fearful warfare that we are waging against the principalities and powers, against the rulers of this world of darkness, against the evil spirits. Come thou to the assistance of men, whom Almighty God created immortal, making them in His own image and likeness and redeeming them at a great price from the tyranny of Satan. Fight this day the battle of the Lord with thy legions of holy Angels, even as of old thou didst fight against Lucifer, the leader of the proud spirits and all his rebel angels, who were powerless to stand against thee, neither was their place found any more in heaven. And that great dragon was cast forth, the ancient serpent, who is called the devil and satan, who seduces the whole world; and he was cast forth upon Earth, and his angels were sent with him. |
| En antiquus inimicus et homicida vehementer erectus est. Transfiguratus in angelum lucis, cum tota malignorum spirituum caterva late circuit et invadit terram, ut in ea deleat nomen Dei et Christi ejus, animasque ad aeternae gloriae coronam destinatas furetur, mactet ac perdat in sempiternum interitum. Virus nequitiae suae, tamquam flumen immundissimum, draco maleficus transfundit in homines depravatos mente et corruptos corde; spiritum mendacii, impietatis et blasphemiae; halitumque mortiferum luxuriae, vitiorum omnium et iniquitatum. | But behold! the ancient enemy of mankind and a murderer from the beginning has been fiercely aroused. Changing himself into an angel of light, he goes about with the whole multitude of the wicked spirits to invade the earth and blot out the Name of God and of His Christ, to plunder, to slay, and to consign to eternal damnation the souls that have been destined for a crown of everlasting life. This wicked serpent, like an unclean torrent, pours into men of depraved minds and corrupt hearts the poison of his malice, the spirit of lying, impiety and blasphemy, and the deadly breath of impurity and every form of vice and iniquity. |
| Ecclesiam, Agni immaculati sponsam, faverrrimi hostes repleverunt amaritudinibus, inebriarunt absinthio; ad omnia desiderabilia ejus impias miserunt manus. Ubi sedes beatissimi Petri et Cathedra veritatis ad lucem gentium constituta est, ibi thronum posuerunt abominationis et impietatis suae; ut percusso Pastore, et gregem disperdere valeant. | Be favorable to Thy Church, the Bride of the Lamb without spot, whose enemies have filled to overflowing with gall and inebriated with wormwood. They have laid profane hands upon Her most sacred treasures. Where the See of the most blessed Peter and the Chair of Truth has been constituted as a light to the nations, there they have placed a throne of their abomination and impiety; so that with the Pastor struck, they may prevail to disperse the flock. |
| Adesto itaque, Dux invictissime, populo Dei contra irrumpentes spirituales nequitias, et fac victoriam. Te custodem et patronum sancta veneratur Ecclesia; te gloriatur defensore adversus terrestrium et infernorum nefarias potestates; tibi tradidit Dominus animas redemptorum in superna felicitate locandas. | Therefore, most invincible Leader, be with the people of God against this spiritual wickedness and bring about victory. Thou art venerated by Holy Church as Her guard and patron; Thou art glorified as our defender against the impious powers of earth and of hell. Unto thee the Lord hath handed over the souls of the redeemed to be placed in happiness above. |
| Deprecare Deum pacis, ut conterat satanam sub pedibus nostris, ne ultra valeat captivos tenere homines, et Ecclesiae nocere. Offer nostras preces in conspectu Altissimi, ut cito anticipent nos misericordiae Domini, et apprehendas draconem, serpentem antiquum, qui est diabolus et satanas, ac ligatum mittas in abyssum, ut non seducat amplius gentes. | Entreat the God of peace, to obliterate satan beneath our feet, lest he prevail further to hold men captive, and to injure the Church. Offer our prayers in the sight of the Most High, so that the mercy of the Lord may swiftly overtake us, and apprehend the dragon, the ancient serpent, who is the devil and satan, and send him bound into the abyss, so that he may seduce the nations no more. |
| Hinc tuo confisi praesidio ac tutela, sacri ministerii sacra sanctae Matris Ecclesiae auctoritate, [Si fuerit clericus qui ordinem exorcistatus suscepit, dicat:nostri auctoritate,] ad infestationes diabolicae fraudis repellendas in nomine Jesu Christi Dei et Domini nostri fidentes et securi aggredimur. | Henceforth having been confided to thy escort and protection, we sacred ministers by the authority of the Holy Mother Church [if recited by a cleric of the order of exorcist or above, say instead: by our authority], do undertake to repel the infestations of diabolical deceit in the Name of Jesus Christ, Our God and Lord. |
| V. Ecce Crucem Domini, fugite partes adversae. R. Vicit Leo de tribu Juda, radix David. V. Fiat misericordia tua, Domine, super nos. R. Quemadmodum speravimus in te. V. Domine, exaudi orationem meam. R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. |
V. Behold the Cross of the Lord; be scattered hostile powers. R. The Lion of the tribe of Juda has conquered, the root of David. V. Let Thy mercies be upon us, O Lord. R. As we have hoped in Thee. V. O Lord, hear my prayer. R. And let my cry come unto Thee. |
| [Si fuerit saltem diaconus subjungat:] V. Dominus vobiscum. R. Et cum spiritu tuo. |
[If recited by at least a deacon add the following:] V. The Lord be with you all. R. And with thy spirit. |
| Oremus. | Let us pray. |
| Deus, et Pater Domini nostri Jesu Christi, invocamus nomen sanctum tuum, et clementiam tuam supplices exposcimus ut, per intercessionem immaculatae semper Virginis Dei Genitricis Mariae, beati Michaëlis Archangeli, beati Joseph ejusdem beatae Virginis Sponsi, beatorum Apostolorum Petri et Pauli et omnium Sanctorum, adversus satanam, omnesque alios immundos spiritus, qui ad nocendum humano generi animasque perdendas pervagantur in mundo, nobis auxilium praestare digneris. Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. | O God, and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, we invoke Thy Holy Name, and we humbly implore Thy clemency so that, through the intercession of Mary, the Immaculate ever-Virgin Mother of God, of blessed Michael the Archangel, of blessed Joseph, the Spouse of the same blessed Virgin, of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the Saints, Thou may deign to offer us aid against satan, and all the other unclean spirits, who wander through the world to injure the human race and to destroy souls. We ask this through Christ Our Lord.. |
| Amen. | Amen. |
Saint the Archangel Michael Prayer
(Short Version - prayed after Low Mass)
| Sáncte Míchael Archángele, defénde nos in proélio, cóntra nequítiam et insídias diáboli ésto præsídium. Ímperet ílli Déus, súpplices deprecámur: tuque, prínceps milítiæ cæléstis, Sátanam aliósque spíritus malígnos, qui ad perditiónem animárum pervagántur in múndo, divína virtúte, in inférnum detrúde. Ámen. | Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the malice 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. |
St Michael's Chaplet
The history of this chaplet goes back to a devout Servant of God, Antonia d’Astonac, who had a vision of St. Michael. He told Antonia to honor him by nine salutations to the nine Choirs of Angels. St. Michael promised that whoever would practice this devotion in his honor would have, when approaching Holy Communion, an escort of nine angels chosen from each of the nine Choirs. In addition, for those who would recite the Chaplet daily, he promised his continual assistance and the assistance of all holy angels during one’s life.
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V. Deus, in adiutórium meum inténde. R. Dómine, ad adiuvándum me festína. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen. |
O God, come to my assistance Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. |
(Pray one Our Father and three Hail Marys after each of the following
nine salutations in honor of the nine Choirs of Angels.)
(1 Our Father, 3 Hail Marys)
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2. Per intercessiónem Sancti Michaélis et cappéllae caeléstis Chérubim, Dóminus nobis grátiam det relínquere vias malas et continuare in vias perfectionis Christiánae. Amen. 3. Per intercessiónem Sancti Michaélis et cappéllae caeléstis Thronorum, infundat Dominus in córdibus nostris spíritum sincerum verumque humilitatis. Amen. 4. Per intercessiónem Sancti Michaélis et cappéllae caeléstis Dominationum, Dóminus nobis gratiam det gubernare sensus et dominare carnem petulantíssimam. Amen. 5. Per intercessiónem Sancti Michaélis et cappéllae caeléstis Potestatum, Dominus ánimas nostras defendat contra tentationes et insídias diáboli. Amen. 6. Per intercessiónem Sancti Michaélis et cappéllae caeléstis Virtutum, Dóminus nos servet a malo et non permittat cádere in tentationem. Amen. 7. Per intercessiónem Sancti Michaélis et cappéllae caeléstis Principatorum,, Dóminus ánimas nostras spíritu oboediéntiae ímpleat. Amen. 8. Per intercessiónem Sancti Michaélis et cappéllae caeléstis Archangelorum, Dóminus nobis constántiam in fide et operibus bonis det, ut gloriam Paradisi obtineamus. Amen. 9. Per intercessiónem Sancti Michaélis et cappéllae caeléstis Angelorum, Dóminus ab eis protegemur in hac vita mortale det et post hac perducemini ad gloriam aeternam. Amen. |
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Cherubim, may the Lord vouchsafe to grant us grace to leave the ways of wickedness and run in the paths of Christian perfection. Amen. By the intercession of St. Michael and the Celestial choir of Thrones, may the Lord infuse into our hearts a true and sincere spirit of humility. Amen. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Dominions, may the Lord give us grace to govern our senses and subdue our unruly passions. Amen. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Powers, may the Lord vouchsafe to protect our souls against the snares and temptations of the devil. Amen. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Virtues, may the Lord preserve us from evil, and suffer us not to fall into temptation. Amen. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Principalities, may God fill our souls with a true spirit of obedience. Amen. By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Archangels, may the Lord give us perseverance in faith and in good works, in order that we gain the glory of Paradise. Amen. By the intercession of St. Michael and the Celestial choir of Angels, may the Lord grant us to be protected by them in this mortal life and conducted hereafter to eternal glory. Amen. |
1 Our Father in honor of St. Michael
1 Our Father in honor of St. Gabriel
1 Our Father in honor of St. Raphael
1 Our Father in honor of our Guardian Angel
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O Princeps gloriose sancte Míchael, dux et praeposite caelestium exercituum, custos animarum, dómitor spírituum rebellum, serve in domu Regis Divini, et conductor mirabilis noster, qui cum excelléntia et virtute caelesti fulges, liberare nos a malo digeneris, qui ad te tornamus cum confidéntiae, et propítio praesídio tuo da nobis Deum magis fidéliter quotídie servire. |
O glorious Prince St. Michael, chief and commander of the heavenly hosts, guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirits, servant in the house of the Divine King, and our admirable conductor, thou who dost shine with excellence and superhuman virtue, vouchsafe to deliver us from all evil, who turn to thee with confidence, and enable us by thy gracious protection to serve God more and more faithfully every day. |
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V. Ora pro nobis, O Gloriose Sancte Michael, Princeps Ecclesiae Jesu Christi. R. Ut digni efficiamur promissiónibus Eius. |
Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ. That we may be made worthy of His promises. |
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Omnipotens Aeterne Deus, qui prodígio bonitatis et clemente volens salve omnes homines, gloriosíssimum Archángelum Sanctum Míchael, Príncipem Ecclesia Tua constituisti, fac nos dignos, te rogamus, liberare eius praesidio potente, adversáriis cunctiis, ne nos vexent, in hora mortis nostrae, sed nos perducti simus ab eo in praeséntiam augustam divinae maiestatis tuae. Hoc oremus méritis Jesu Christi, Domini nostri. Amen. |
Almighty and Everlasting God, who by a prodigy of goodness and a merciful desire for the salvation of all men, hast appointed the most glorious Archangel, St. Michael, Prince of Thy Church, make us worthy, we beseech Thee, to be delivered from all our enemies that none of them may harass us at the hour of death, but that we may be conducted by him into the august presence of Thy Divine Majesty. This we beg through the merits of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. |
Litaniae Sancti Michaelis / Litany of Saint Michael
For private use
| Kyrie, eleison. R. Kyrie, eleison. |
Lord, have mercy. R. Lord, have mercy. |
| Christe, eleison. R. Christe, eleison. |
Christ, have mercy. R. Christ, have mercy. |
| Kyrie, eleison. R. Kyrie, eleison. |
Lord, have mercy. R. Lord, have mercy. |
| Christe, audi nos. R. Christe, audi nos. |
Christ, hear us. R. Christ, hear us. |
| Christe, exaudi nos R. Christe, exaudi nos |
Christ, graciously hear us. R. Christ, graciously hear us. |
| Pater de caelis Deus, R. miserere nobis. |
God, the Father of heaven, R. have mercy on us. |
| Fili Redemptor mundi, Deus, R. miserere nobis. |
God, the Son, the Redeemer of the world, R. have mercy on us. |
| Spiritus Sancte, Deus, R. miserere nobis. |
God, the Holy Spirit, R. have mercy on us. |
| Sancta Trinitas, unus Deus, R. miserere nobis. |
Holy Trinity, one God, R. have mercy on us. |
| Sancta Maria, Regina Angelorum, R. ora pro nobis. |
Holy Mary, Queen of Angels, R. pray for us. |
| Sancte Michael, R. ora pro nobis. |
Saint Michael, R. pray for us. |
| Sancte Michael, sapientiae divinae fons abundans, R. ora pro nobis. |
Saint Michael, abundant font of divine wisdom, R. pray for us. |
| Sancte Michael, divini Verbi adorator perfectissime, R. ora pro nobis. |
Saint Michael, most perfect adorer of the Divine Word, R. pray for us. |
| Sancte Michael, quem gloria et honore Deus coronavit, R. ora pro nobis. |
Saint Michael, whom God crowned with honor and glory, R. pray for us. |
| Sancte Michael, caelestis exercitus princeps potentissime, R. ora pro nobis. |
Saint Michael, most powerful Prince of the heavenly host, R. pray for us. |
| Sancte Michael, Trinitatis sanctissimae signifer, R. ora pro nobis. |
Saint Michael, standard-bearer of the Most Holy Trinity, R. pray for us. |
| Sancte Michael, paradisi custos, R. ora pro nobis. |
Saint Michael, guardian of Paradise, R. pray for us. |
| Sancte Michael, dux et consolator populi Dei, R. ora pro nobis. |
Saint Michael, guide and consoler of the People of God, R. pray for us. |
| Sancte Michael, splendor et fortitudo militantis Ecclesiae, R. ora pro nobis. |
Saint Michael, splendor and fortitude of the Church Militant, R. pray for us. |
| Sancte Michael, honor et gaudium triumphantis Ecclesiae R. ora pro nobis. |
Saint Michael, honor and joy of the Church Triumphant R. pray for us. |
| Sancte Michael, lumen Angelorum, R. ora pro nobis. |
Saint Michael, light of the Angels, R. pray for us. |
| Sancte Michael, praesidium orthodoxi populi, R. ora pro nobis. |
Saint Michael, protection of orthodox people, R. pray for us. |
| Sancte Michael, sub signo Crucis militantium fortitudo, R. ora pro nobis. |
Saint Michael, strength of those who fight under the standard of the Cross, R. pray for us. |
| Sancte Michael, lux et spes animarum in agone mortis, R. ora pro nobis |
Saint Michael, light and hope of souls near death, R. pray for us. |
| Sancte Michael, auxilium tutissimum, R. ora pro nobis. |
Saint Michael, our most sure aid, R. pray for us. |
| Sancte Michael, in adversitatibus nostris adiutorium, R. ora pro nobis |
Saint Michael, help in our adversities, R. pray for us. |
| Sancte Michael, aeternarum sententiarum proclamator, R. ora pro nobis |
Saint Michael, herald of the everlasting judgment, R. pray for us. |
| Sancte Michael, consolator animarum in purgatorio languentium, R. ora pro nobis |
Saint Michael, consoler of souls languishing in purgatory, R. pray for us |
| Sancte Michael, animas electorum post mortem suscipiens, R. ora pro nobis |
Saint Michael, receiver of the souls of the elect after death, R. pray for us |
| Sancte Michael, princeps noster, R. ora pro nobis. |
Saint Michael, our prince, R. pray for us. |
| Sancte Michael, defensor noster, R. ora pro nobis. |
Saint Michael, our defender, R. pray for us. |
| Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, R. parce nobis, Domine. |
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, R. spare us, O Lord. |
| Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, R. exaudi nos, Domine. |
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, R. graciously hear us, O Lord. |
| Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, R. miserere nobis. |
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, R. have mercy on us. |
| V. Ora pro nobis, Sancte Michael Archangele | V. Pray for us, Saint Michael the Archangel |
| R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi. | R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. |
| Oremus; Domine Iesu Christe, benedictione perpetua sanctifica nos, et concede, per intercessionem sancti Michaelis illam sapientiam quae doceat nos thesaurizare thesaurum in caelis, et pro temporalibus, aeterna bona eligere. Qui vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum. R. Amen |
Let us pray O Lord Jesus Christ, may Thy continual blessing sanctify us, and grant us through the intercession of St. Michael the wisdom that teaches us to lay up our treasure in Heaven and choose eternal goods over those of this world. Thou who livest and reignest forever. R. Amen |
Commemoratio Sancti Michaelis Archangeli | Commemoration of Saint Michael the Archangel
Taken from the Office for the feast of St Michael.
| Princeps gloriosissime, Michael Archangele, esto memor nostri: hic et ubique semper precare pro nobis Filium Dei, alleluia, alleluia. | O most glorious Prince, Michael the Archangel, be mindful of us, here and everywhere: pray always unto the Son of God for us, Alleluia, Alleluia. |
| V. In conspectu Angelorum psallam tibi, Deus meus. | V. In the sight of Angels I will sing to Thee, O God. |
| R. Adorabo ad templum sanctum tuum et confitebor nomini tuo. | R. I will worship facing Thy holy temple and confess Thy name. |
| DEUS, qui miro ordine, Angelorum ministeria hominumque dispensas: concede propitius ut, a quibus tibi ministrantibus in caelo assistitur, ab his in terra vita nostra muniatur. Per Dominum nostrum Iesum Christum. Amen. | O God, who in a marvelous order hast established the ministries of angels and of men, mercifully grant that as Thy holy Angels ever do Thee service in heaven, so at all times they may succor us here upon earth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. |
Princeps Gloriosissime | O Most Glorious Prince
| Princeps gloriosissime, Sancte Michael Archangele, ego humillimus cliens tuus saluto te per dulcissimum Cor Iesu Christi, quod in augmentum gaudii et gloriae tuae peramanter offero, gratias agens Deo pro beatitudine, quam tibi contulit, et quod te super omnes alios Angelos honorare et exaltare voluit. Tibi vitae et mortis meae curam specialiter commendo, adsis mihi nunc et semper, maxime in fine vitae meae, benigne me tunc consolare, conforta et protege. Impetra mihi augmentum fidei, spei et caritatis, nec permittas me a sancta fide deviare nec in foveam desperationis incidere, neque de operibus bonis, si quae per gratiam Dei operatus sum, praesumere. Impetra mihi peccatorum meorum veniam, humilitatem, patientiam et alias virtutes, maxime vero perseverantiam in bono et gratiam finalem, ut tecum Deum meum glorificem in saecula. Amen. | O most glorious Prince, Saint Michael the Archangel, I, thy most humble servant, salute thee through the most beloved Heart of Jesus Christ which I lovingly offer for the increase of thy joy and thy glory. I give thanks to God for the blessedness which He brings to thee and with which He wishes to honor and exalt thee above all the other Angels. I especially commend myself to thy care in life and death. Be with me now and always, especially at the end of my life. Kindly console me, strengthen me, and protect me. Obtain for me an increase in faith, hope, and charity. Do not permit me to stray from the holy faith, nor fall into the snare of desperation, nor to take for granted good works, which I am engaged in through the grace of God. Obtain for me pardon of my sins, humility, patience and the other virtues, true perseverance in goodness, and the final grace that I may give glory to God with thee forever. Amen. |
O Princeps Caelestis Militiae | O Prince of the Heavenly Host
| O princeps caelestis militiae, sancte Michael, qui superbum Luciferum cum omnibus suis asseclis in tartarum deiecisti, o defensor et protector Ecclesiae, o animarum ex hoc saeculo migrantium praeses: succurre populo Dei, defende Ecclesiam tibi commendatam contra omnes insidias satanae; adiuva animam meam contra eundem hostem constitutam, quam tibi nunc commendo. Praesertim me in hora mortis meae protege, ut ad paradisi gaudia admittar, ubi cum omnibus Angelis Deum aeternis laudibus depraedicem. Amen. | O prince of the heavenly host, Saint Michael, thou who cast into hell proud Lucifer with all his followers, thou who art defender and protector of the Church, thou who art protector of souls departing from this world, come to the aid of the People of God and defend the Church committed unto thee against all the snares of Satan. Help my soul which I now commend to thee against this same enemy. Protect me especially at the hour of my death, so that I may be admitted to the joys of paradise where I, with all the Angels, may praise God eternally. Amen. |
