Liturgical texts and prayers
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2.3 - Liturgical texts and prayers
2.3.1 - The antiphons and micaelic hymns
Origin and spread of liturgical antiphons
Antiphons are short liturgical songs, often taken from the Psalms or other biblical texts, used in the Christian liturgy as refrains. Their origin dates back to Jewish liturgical practices, from which early Christians adopted the tradition of antiphonal singing. Over the centuries, antiphons have spread widely in the Christian liturgy, assuming a central role in celebrations.
Latin hymns (e.g. Te Splendor et Virtus Patris)
The hymn Te Splendor et Virtus Patris is a Latin hymn dedicated to St Michael the Archangel. The text is attributed to Rabanus Maurus and was later revised by Pope Urban VIII in 1632. This hymn is traditionally sung at Vespers and Matins on the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel (29 September) in the Roman Breviary.
Presence in breviaries and the Gregorian repertory
Antiphons and hymns dedicated to St Michael, such as Te Splendor et Virtus Patris, are found in numerous breviaries and collections of Gregorian chants. These liturgical texts were transcribed and preserved in medieval manuscripts, many of which are now digitised and accessible online. Gregorian chant played a fundamental role in the dissemination of these compositions, which continue to be performed in liturgical celebrations.
Recommended multimedia content
Images
• Gregorian score of Te Splendor et Virtus Patris
Score of the Gregorian hymn dedicated to St Michael the Archangel.
• Page from a medieval breviary
Example of a breviary containing hymns and liturgical antiphons.
• Illuminated manuscript with Gregorian antiphons
Decorated page of a medieval manuscript with musical notation.
Video
• Hymn "Te Splendor et Virtus Patris" - Gregorian chant
Performance of the hymn in Gregorian style.
• Gregorian Antiphon of St Michael Archangel
Gregorian chant dedicated to St Michael.
Sources and references
• GregoBase - Te splendor et virtus
2.3.2 - Oriental sequences and tropes
• Tropari and Byzantine kondakion in honour of Michael
In the Byzantine liturgical tradition, the Archangel Michael is celebrated through specific liturgical hymns, including tropari and kondakion. These poetic and musical compositions are an integral part of liturgical celebrations and reflect the deep veneration for the Archangel as defender of the faith and guide of the heavenly hosts.
Texts from the Syriac and Greek Orthodox tradition
The Syriac and Greek Orthodox tradition has produced numerous liturgical texts dedicated to Saint Michael. In the Syriac liturgy, for example, the Archangel is invoked as 'leader of the heavenly hosts' and 'protector of the faithful'. These texts, often poetic and rich in symbolic imagery, are used in liturgical celebrations and personal prayers.
Influences on processional and paraliturgical chants
Tropari and kondakion dedicated to St Michael have also influenced processional and paraliturgical songs in various Christian traditions. In some regions, such as Calabria, traditional chants are preserved that, although not part of the official liturgy, reflect popular devotion to the Archangel and are performed during processions and local festivities.
Recommended multimedia content
Images
1. Byzantine Icon of St Michael Archangel
Traditional depiction of the Archangel according to Byzantine art.
2. Syriac manuscript with liturgical texts
Example of a manuscript containing liturgical texts from the Syriac tradition.
3. Procession dedicated to St Michael Archangel
Image of a traditional procession in honour of the Archangel.
Video
1. Religious songs of Orthodox monks
Performance of traditional hymns from the Orthodox liturgy.
Sources and references
• Wikipedia - St Michael in the ChurchWikipediaCatholic
• Levi Foundation - Liturgical Chants of Oral Tradition Scribd+4fondazionelevi.it+4
• Lipa Editions - Spirituality in the Syriac Traditionedizionilipa.com
• International Festival of Sacred Music - Calabrian paraliturgical songs
2.3.3 - The liturgy of 29 September (Feast of the Holy Archangels)
• Historical evolution of the Michaelmas feast in the Catholic Church
The feast of the Holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael is celebrated on 29 September. Originally, this date commemorated the dedication of a basilica to St Michael on the Via Salaria in Rome. With the 1969 reform of the liturgical calendar, the celebrations of the three archangels were unified into a single feast day.
Lessons, antiphons, Mass readings and breviary collections
The liturgy of 29 September includes:
• Entrance Antiphon: "Bless the Lord, all you his Angels, mighty executors of his commands, ready at the sound of his word" (Ps 103:20).
• Collect: "O God, who call angels and men to cooperate in your plan of salvation, grant us pilgrims on earth the protection of the blessed spirits..."
• Readings:
From the book of the prophet Daniel (Dan 7:9-10.13-14)
From the book of Revelation of St John the Apostle (Rev 12:7-12a)
From the Gospel according to John (Jn 1:47-51)
• Responsorial psalm: Psalm 137 (138)
• Communion antiphon: "I give you thanks, Lord, with all my heart, to you I want to sing before the angels" (Ps 138:1).
Comparative elements with the Orthodox and Anglican traditions
• Orthodox tradition: The Orthodox Church celebrates the Synaxis of the Archangels on 21 November (8 November in the Julian calendar).
• Anglican tradition: The Anglican Church celebrates 29 September as 'Michaelmas', commemorating St Michael and all angels.
Recommended multimedia content
Images
• "Saint Michael Archangel' by Guido Reni
Classical depiction of the Archangel Michael.
• Orthodox Icon of St. Michael the Archangel
Example of Byzantine iconography of the Archangel.
• "St Michael the Archangel defeats the rebel angels".
Artwork depicting Michael's victory over the rebel angels.
Video
• "29 September: St Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, protect me".
Prayer to the Three Holy Archangels.
Sources and references
• Wikipedia - Feast of St. MichaelWikipedia
• Maranatha - Liturgy of the Holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel and RaphaelMaranatha+1
2.3.4 - Individual prayers and devotional practices
Prayer to St Michael by Leo XIII
The prayer to St Michael the Archangel, composed by Pope Leo XIII in 1886, is one of the most powerful and popular supplications in the Catholic tradition. According to tradition, the Pope had a vision in which he saw the devil trying to destroy the Church, which is why he composed this prayer to invoke the Archangel's protection. The text reads:
"Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our help against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God exercise his dominion over him, we beseech thee. And thou, Prince of the heavenly militia, by divine power, drive back into hell Satan and the other evil spirits who roam the world for the perdition of souls. Amen."
This prayer was recited after Mass until 1964 and continues to be used by many believers as daily protection.
Prayers and novenas to St Michael widespread in Italy
In Italy, devotion to St Michael is particularly heartfelt, with numerous prayers and novenas widespread among the faithful. One of the best known is the Novena to St Michael Archangel, practised in the Basilica Sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo on the Gargano. This novena is recited from 20 to 28 September and offers the possibility of gaining a daily partial indulgence for five years and a plenary one at the end, as established by the Sacred Apostolic Penitentiary on 9 February 1933.
Numerous publications collect these prayers, such as the book "PRAYERS TO SAINT MICHELE FOR PROTECTION AGAINST EVIL" available on Amazon, which offers a selection of prayers, supplications, novenas and blessings dedicated to the Archangel.
Blessings, exorcisms and rituals of protection
St Michael is traditionally invoked as a protector against evil and the snares of the devil. His figure is central to the Catholic Church's exorcism rites. The 'De exorcismis et supplicationibus quibusdam', promulgated in 1998, is the official document describing the rite of exorcism, replacing the previous Tridentine Ritual of 1614. In this text, Pope Leo XIII's prayer to St Michael is included as a powerful supplication against the forces of evil.
In addition, there are protection rituals involving the Archangel, such as the 'Great Ritual of St Michael the Archangel', used in devotional practices for purification and spiritual protection. These rituals, although not officially recognised by the Church, testify to the deep popular devotion to St Michael as a defender against evil.
Recommended multimedia content
Images
• Prayer to St Michael Archangel by Pope Leo XIII
Visual representation of the prayer composed by Pope Leo XIII.
• Novena to St Michael Archangel
Cover of a publication dedicated to the novena in honour of St Michael.
• Grand Ritual of St Michael Archangel
Representative image of a devotional ritual dedicated to the Archangel.
Video
• Exorcism and Prayer to St Michael the Archangel
Video presenting the prayer to St Michael used in exorcism rites.
• Novena to St Michael Archangel - Day 1
First day of the novena in honour of St Michael.
Sources and references
• Aleteia - The original prayer of Leo XIII to St Michael the Archangel
• Stella Matutina - Novena to St Michael Archangel
• Amazon - Prayers to St Michael for protection against evil
2.3.5 - Liturgical collections and manuscripts
• Liturgical codices containing Michaelic prayers
Medieval liturgical manuscripts represent a primary source for the study of devotion to St. Michael the Archangel. Of these, the Sacramentarium Gelasianum and the Antiphonarium Romanum are among the most significant:
• Sacramentarium Gelasianum: Considered one of the oldest sacramentaries of the Latin Church, dating back to the 8th century. It contains liturgical prayers and formularies, including those dedicated to St Michael. A digitised version is available in the Vatican Library.
• Antiphonarium Romanum: Collection of antiphons and liturgical chants used in the Liturgy of the Hours. Includes numerous pieces in honour of Saint Michael. A digitised copy is accessible through the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek.
Known specimens
In addition to the codices mentioned above, other notable liturgical manuscripts include:
• Codex Rustici: 15th century illuminated manuscript depicting St. Michael in various scenes.
• Missale et Horae ad usum Fratrum Minorum: 14th century Franciscan manuscript containing masses and liturgical hours dedicated to various saints, including St. Michael.
Digitalisation and study projects
Numerous institutions have initiated projects to digitise and restore liturgical manuscripts:
• Museo internazionale e biblioteca della musica di Bologna: Undertook a project to restore and digitise five illuminated liturgical manuscripts, including an Olivetan psalter book from San Michele in Bosco.
• Istituto Centrale per la Digitalizzazione del Patrimonio Culturale - Digital Library: Based in Rome, it coordinates the digitisation of numerous Italian liturgical manuscripts, making them accessible online.
Recommended multimedia content
Images
8th century manuscript with liturgical prayers.
Manuscript with antiphons and liturgical chants.
• Missale et Horae ad usum Fratrum Minorum
Franciscan manuscript with masses and liturgical hours.
Video
Sources and references
• Vatican Apostolic Library - Sacramentarium Gelasianumdigi.vatlib.it
• Bayerische Staatsbibliothek - Antiphonarium Romanumdigitale-sammlungen.de