A friend recently wondered aloud which version of the St. Michael Prayer was the most accurate. I had no idea and admitted that this is one prayer I have not memorised in Latin, nor so I normally pray it in Lain. I have noticed a few differences in the English versions, though, and thought it might be interesting to do some research on it.
This famous prayer was, of course, composed by Pope Leo XIII in the late nineteenth century, apparently after a vision. In this vision, Pope Leo saw Satan being given permission by God to wreak havoc on the earth in the latter part of the twentieth century. (For more on this, see The St. Michael Prayer was an Antidote to Freemasonry)
Until the Vatican II Council, the St. Michael prayer was recited after every Low Mass, usually in the vernacular, by priest and faithful. Nowadays, this custom continues only in Latin Mass parishes, but many faithful Catholics in Novus Ordo parishes also choose to pray the prayer privately after Mass.
Like most popular prayers, the St. Michael prayer has several slightly different English versions. It seemed obvious to find the original Latin and compare versions to find the closest translation. Fortunately, there is a very helpful book on the prayer’s history, called Pope Leo XIII and the Prayer to St. Michael, which gives the Latin as follows:
Sancte Michael Archangele, defende nos in proelio, contra nequitiam et insidias diaboli esto praesidium. Imperet illi Deus, supplices deprecamur: tuque, Princips militiae coelestis, Satanam aliosque spiritus malignos, qui ad perditionem animarum pervagantur in mundo, divina virtute, in infernum detrude. Amen.
Below are two English versions: one is the one I use and have heard used quite frequently, albeit sometimes with a word changed here and there. Below that is a more literal translation, there are variations of this one around, too. [For those wanting guidance with general Latin pronunciation, please see this post.]
St. Michael Prayer – a traditional English rendering
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in the day of battle. Be our safeguard 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 throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
St. Michael Prayer – a more literal translation
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God command him, we beseech, begging; and do thou, Prince of the heavenly host, by the divine power, thrust into hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who are wandering in the world, to the ruin of souls.
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