Saint Michael’s hagiography is less about a biographical account (since angels are spiritual beings) and more about the theological and scriptural testimony to his role. He is venerated as:
- The leader of God’s armies in their victory over the powers of hell.
- The protector of the faithful, especially at the hour of death.
- The guardian of the Church, both universally and for individual souls.
- The angel of judgment, present at the weighing of souls.
Saint Michael has been invoked in times of plague, war, and diabolical affliction. Devotion to him intensified especially in the Middle Ages and continues strongly in traditional Catholic circles.
Pope Leo XIII’s Vision and the Saint Michael Prayer
The Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel was composed by Pope Leo XIII in the late 19th century, following a vision he reportedly experienced after celebrating Mass in the Vatican.
The Vision (as traditionally recounted):
In 1884, after celebrating Mass, Pope Leo XIII suddenly stood transfixed, his face pale and filled with fear. Witnesses describe him as staring toward something unseen, as if listening. After a brief time, he collapsed or appeared deeply shaken and was taken to his quarters. When asked what had happened, he reportedly described hearing a chilling conversation between God and Satan.
According to tradition:
- Satan boasted to God that he could destroy the Church if given enough time and power.
- God permitted him roughly 100 years to attempt this, testing the faithfulness of mankind.
- After this, Pope Leo retired to his study and composed the now-famous Prayer to Saint Michael, a powerful invocation for protection against the devil.
The shorter version of the prayer—familiar to many Catholics—was originally part of the Leonine Prayers, which Pope Leo ordered to be recited after Low Mass throughout the world:
“Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle…”
There is also a longer version, now less known, which contains a more explicit exorcistic tone. It was used in formal rites of exorcism and still may be found in traditional Catholic prayer books.
Liturgical and Devotional Significance
- The Saint Michael Prayer was recited after Low Mass from 1886 until it was removed in the liturgical reforms following the Second Vatican Council.
- Traditional communities often continue the practice, and the faithful are encouraged to invoke Saint Michael regularly.
- On Michaelmas, many traditional Catholics fast, attend Mass in Saint Michael’s honor, and renew their dedication to spiritual combat under his patronage.