# Prayer and Novena to St. Michael: Defending the Church
*2016-09-22*

> Bill Young leads the fourth grace of a novena to St. Michael, invoking the archangel’s protection for the Church, Pope Benedict, and all believers.

## Opening Prayer to St. Michael

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. O Prince of heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl the world for the ruin of souls. Amen. O St. Michael, enlighten us with light, protect us with your wings, defend us with your sword. Defend our homes from demons and wickedness, and defend us in battle so that we may not perish at the Last Judgment. Amen.

## Invocation of the Trinity and the Apostles’ Creed

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again, ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.

## Hymn of Praise to St. Michael

You, O splendor and virtue of the Father, you, O Jesus, life of our hearts, we praise you among the angels who hang on your every word. A mighty host of thousands of leaders combats under you. As a sign of salvation, victorious Michael displays the cross, thrusting the proud head of the dragon into the depths of hell and striking the chief rebel from the heavenly rock. In combat against the dragon, the head of pride, we follow this prince so that glory may be given to us from the throne of the Lamb. Glory be to God the Father, who has redeemed the Son, anointed by the Holy Spirit, and who protects us through the angels.

## Prayer for the Protection of the Church and the Pope

Almighty God, grant that under the patronage of St. Michael the Archangel we may always aspire to heaven and that his glory be proclaimed on earth. Assist us by his prayers. Through Christ our Lord, amen.
We prostrate ourselves before you, our first minister in the heavenly court, and ask that, together with the prince of the fourth choir of angels, you may defend Christianity in all its necessities, especially our Holy Father, Pope Benedict, that his happiness and grace in this life and his glory in the life to come may ever increase. Amen.

## Our Father, Hail Mary, and Final Invocation

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
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, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle so that we may not perish at the Last Judgment. Amen.

*May St. Michael’s sword guard the Church and its shepherd, Pope Benedict, now and forever.*