Monday, November 3, 2008

Let's Bring Back the Leonine Prayers

You can read briefly about the history of these prayers which were commonly recited after Low Mass here. What everybody knows about them is that the intention was to convert Russia, but most don't realize that Pius IX actually originally prescribed the prayers and composed the collect. This is probably because Pope Leo XIII added the famous Saint Michael prayer which is a favorite with my kids since it features Satan receiving a royal ass-kicking from the famous archangel.


After Vatican II, the prayers after mass were discontinued. But there's no use crying over spilled milk. You can say them yourself after mass. And you had sure better start, dog. The enemies of the Church are gathering force.

Here they are—you now have no excuse.

THE LEONINE PRAYERS

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. (3 times)

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee to we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mouring and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this exile, show unto us the blessed Fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. O God, our refuge and our strength, look down with mercy upon the people who cry to Thee; and by the intercession of the glorious and immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of Saint Joseph her spouse, of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the saints, in Thy mercy and goodness hear our prayers for the conversion of sinners, and for the liberty and exaltation of the Holy Mother the Church. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.

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, thrust into hell satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us.

2 comments:

  1. Hi Pauli,

    I also love the image of St. Michael kicking Satan's ass! Me, the Lutheran, has a statue of that image in my home and I have a medal as well. I love the image because it reminds me that whatever evil there is, God is always stronger.

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