Please continue to pray for the conversion of Russia

Prayer for the Day

"My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:2)

Reflection

At several churches I attend during the week in Fresno and Bakersfield, the Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel is recited at the conclusion of every Mass.  It is also said after the Mass on EWTN every day.   I remember when I was an altar boy that the priest would say (what seemed at the time to be) a whole lot of prayers, including the Prayer to St. Michael at the end of every “low” Mass.  But I didn’t know, really, what they were or why they were said until I started researching for my entry today.  Here’s a “thumbnail” history of “The Leonine Prayers”.

In 1884, Pope Leo XIII prescribed the recitation of several prayers after Low Mass.  In 1934, Pope Pius XI ordered that these same prayers be offered for the conversion of Russia. The prayers were always said by the priest, and acknowledged by the congregation with “Amen”.  With the introduction of the Ordinary Form of the Mass in the vernacular, these prayers became optional.  And, I’m sad to say, eventually—in most parishes—forgotten?

In fact, I often “slip out” of the church while the congregation is praying the Prayer to St. Michael because of the simple fact that I never got around to learning it by heart!  After all, “the Mass has ended; I can go in peace to love and serve the Lord and one another”, right?   I know, I know!  It’s a very poor excuse, but it’s the only one I have!  Or should I say “had”?

Father Dan Maurer was the celebrant at Mass this morning.  His homily included a very brief history of the Catholic Church in Russia.   I will admit I didn’t know any of this and the research I did on line this evening has planted the seed in my soul to want to say the Leonine Prayers after every Mass from now on in the hope that Catholicism will grow in Russia.  Will the seed bear fruit?  I hope to God it will.  I will need Jesus to remind me.  And if I can’t get to Mass for one reason or another, I will try to remember adding these prayers at the end of my daily rosary.

In case you would like to know the Leonine Prayers, here they are:

Three Hail Marys

HAIL, Mary, full of grace! The Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus!

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

The Hail Holy Queen

HAIL, Holy Queen, mother of mercy; hail, our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us: and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb Jesus.  O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!

 V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

 Intercessory Prayer

Let us pray. O God, our refuge and our strength, look down in mercy on Thy people who cry to Thee, and by the intercession of the glorious and immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of St. Joseph her Spouse, of Thy blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the saints, in mercy and goodness hear our prayers for the conversion of sinners, and for the liberty and exultation of our holy Mother the Church. We ask You this through the same Christ our Lord.

 R. Amen.

The prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

SAINT 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 wicked spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.

R. Amen.

Conclusion, said three times:

V. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus,

R. Have mercy upon us.