Connecting the dots

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 Of course I was not alive when Pope Leo XIII was elected, but in talking to a good friend who is also a priest, he reminded me of the first point below.  However, I also had a moment of clarity with the second point.  

I find it highly interesting that a prayer seeking the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel is relatively "new."

  • First social encyclical: In 1891, Leo XIII issued Rerum Novarum, the first major papal social encyclical, addressing the rights and duties of labor and capital, supporting the formation of workers’ unions, and laying the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching.
  • The Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel: Composed after a vision, this prayer became a staple of Catholic devotion, calling for protection against evil in the midst of spiritual warfare.
  • Consecration to Saint Joseph: Leo XIII promoted devotion to St. Joseph, attaching a special prayer to his encyclical Quamquam Pluries and recommending annual observances in Joseph’s honor.
St. 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 hosts, 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.  (Pope Leo XIII, 1884)

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