# We Fly to Your Patronage
*2014-05-08*

> Bill shares a backyard bird encounter and recounts a 19th‑century story of a soul invoking Mary’s protection, concluding with a traditional Marian prayer for heavenly assistance.

## A Backyard Encounter

I was in my backyard on the screened patio when I saw a small bird with white wings swooping at a three‑foot black garden snake. The bird kept attacking until the snake fled out of the yard. The image of a white‑winged creature confronting a dark serpent reminded me of an angel battling evil.

## The 1863 Tale of a Soul’s Plea

The story goes back to January 13, 1863. A soul, whose name is not given, had long received favors from the Virgin Mary. Suddenly, the soul perceived a wave of demonic activity causing great misery. The Holy Virgin appeared and confirmed that demons had broken loose, urging the soul to invoke her as Queen of Angels and ask for legions of angels to combat the powers of hell.

The soul addressed Mary, saying, “O Mother, you who are so good, could we not have the angels without asking you?” Mary replied that prayer is the condition established by God to obtain graces. She then offered to teach the soul how to pray.

## A Marian Prayer for Angelic Assistance

Mary dedicated the following prayer to her devotees:

“Lady of Heaven, our Lady of Angels, who received from God the power and mission to defeat Satan, we humbly beg you to send us heavenly legions under St. Michael the Archangel, that they may, by your command, crush the demons, drive them back into the abyss, and protect us from evil.

O Divine Mother, you shall always be our love and hope. Send your holy angels to defend us and drive away our cruel enemies. Holy angels and archangels, defend and guard us.”

The prayer concludes with three Hail Marys:

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

*When we turn to Mary as Queen of Angels, we join a long tradition of seeking her intercession for protection against the forces of darkness.*