St. Michael the Archangel

The Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel is a powerful plea for protection against evil. Composed by Pope Leo XIII in the late 19th century, it invokes St. Michael's intercession in the spiritual battle against Satan. Catholics pray it for defense against temptation and the snares of the devil.

Prayer Text

What is the St. Michael the Archangel?

Pope Leo XIII composed this prayer after having a profound spiritual experience and promulgated it in 1886. For decades, it was recited after Low Mass throughout the Catholic Church as part of the Leonine Prayers. While this practice was suppressed in the liturgical reforms following the Second Vatican Council, its private use has been strongly encouraged by popes, including Saint John Paul II, who urged the faithful to pray it for strength against the forces of darkness.

What does the St. Michael the Archangel mean?

This prayer is a direct acknowledgment of spiritual warfare, a reality affirmed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 391-395, 409). It calls upon St. Michael, whose name means "Who is like God?", to act as our defender. By asking him to "thrust into hell Satan," we affirm God's ultimate power over evil and place our trust in the protection of the holy angels who serve Him and defend humanity.

When Do Catholics Pray the St. Michael the Archangel?

This prayer is suitable for any time one feels tempted or spiritually attacked. Many Catholics recite it daily, often after their morning or evening prayers, or after receiving Holy Communion. It is especially fitting to pray on the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, the Archangels, on September 29th. It serves as a powerful spiritual tool for protection of oneself, one's family, and the Church.

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