The official photo of Pope Leo XIV which you can download
(translated from Italian)
The relics embedded in the breast cross with which Leo XIV chose to present himself to the world after his election constitute a meaningful theological and ecclesiastical message, which outlines a true program of Episcopal holiness.
On the top of the cross you can find a relic ex bone of Santa Monica, mother of Saint Augustine. Strong and persistent woman, with her tears and tireless prayer achieved the conversion of her son, who was baptized at the age of thirty-two. In the Confessions, Augustine highlights virtues as gifts from God. The devotion to Saint Monica was also strong in Pope Francis, who often visited her tomb in the Basilica of Saint Augustine in Campo Marzio in Rome. For the Augustinian Order, the figure of Monica is indispensable from the experience of conversion and consecration of her son, the very foundation of Augustinian spirituality.
In the centre of the cross is a relic ex bone of Saint Augustine, spiritual father of the Order, who with his Rule and writings inspired friars, monks, nuns and laymen to embrace the Gospel as builders of communion and promoters of the common good. The Order of Saint Augustine, founded by the Apostolic Headquarters in 1244, has progressively assimilated its ideal of life, producing fruits of holiness over the centuries through common life, intense apostolic activity, study, and deep spirituality. On the left arm is placed a relic ex bone of Saint Thomas da Villanova, Archbishop of Valencia ( quia1555), reformer of religious life, model of shepherd consumed for his flock and promoter of missions in the New World. Great theologian, he was a forerunner of some insights that will be gained from the council of Trento. Key figure in the 16th century Catholic reform. His lawsuit for the title of Doctor of the Church is underway. On the right arm of the cross there is a relic of Blessed Anselmo Polanco ( cio1939), bishop of Teruel, martyr of religious persecution in Spain (1936-1939). He remained loyal to his people and to the Pope, he was shot for his testimony of faith and the strength of his evangelical word. For every pastor there remains an unwavering witness of dedications until the blood is spilled. He was beatified in 1995.
At the base of the cross is inserted a relic of Venerable Joseph Bartolomeo Menochio, bishop of Porfirio and prefect of the Apostolic Sacrament ( Alla1823). Pontifical priest since 1800, he bravely served the Church during the Napoleonic storm, remaining firm in faith and loyal to the Pope even in the most difficult times. He was a figure of reference for the Church of Rome and died in the fame of holiness. In 1991 Saint John Paul II recognized the heroism of virtues. The relics preserved in the lipsanebook of the general Augustinian application, carefully chosen by the general applicator p. Josef Sciberras DARE and carefully packaged by the relicist Antonino Cottone in the chest cross used by Leo XIV on the day of his election are not a simple decoration, but a visible profession of faith and a real and real pastoral orientation. These evoke figures of holiness connected to the Augustinian Order that embody loyalty, reform, service and martyrdom: all elements that illuminate and uplift the ministry of the new Pontiff.
Full Homily: First Mass of Pope Leo XIV (English Version)
https://youtu.be/lYhfqwFaHTc
The Feast of the Chair of St. Peter is a commemoration of the contributions of the Apostle to the Christian Church. It celebrates his authority and endless efforts to build a strong community around the teachings of Christ and has been celebrated since the earliest times in the Christian era.
St. Peter was known to hold the keys to the kingdom of heaven, entrusted to him by Jesus himself. For this and many other reasons, St. Peter became a celebrated figure in Christianity.
0222 Chair St Peter 4p SMC 8.5 x 11 R1R 20240805PRAYER FOR THE FEAST OF THE CHAIR OF SAINT PETER
O God, who by delivering to Thy blessed Apostle Peter
the keys of the kingdom of Heaven,
didst confer upon him the pontifical power of binding and of loosing,
grant that, by the help of his intercession,
we may be delivered from the bonds of our sins.
Who livest and reignest with Thee,
One God, world without end.
Amen.
Prayer for the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter
Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that no tempests may disturb us,
for you have set us fast on the rock of the Apostle Peter’s confession of faith.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Chair of Saint Peter Novena
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Antiphon: That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
V. I say unto thee, thou art Peter;
R. And upon this Rock I will build my Church.
[Each day’s scripture and intention is followed by the final prayers.]
Day 1
And passing along by the Sea of Galilee, [Jesus] saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him.
– St. Mark 1:16-18
Intention: That we may follow the call of Christ without hesitation.
Concluding Prayer
Day 2
[Jesus] said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”
– St. Luke 5:4-8
Intention: That we may obey our Lord’s commandments with humility.
Concluding Prayer
Day 3
[Jesus] asked his disciples, “Who do men say that the Son of man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.
– St. Matthew 16:13-18
Intention: That we may confidently confess our faith in Jesus Christ.
Concluding Prayer
Day 4
After six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves; and he was transfigured before them, and his garments became glistening, intensely white, as no fuller on earth could bleach them
– St. Mark 9:2-3
Intention: That with Peter, we may see Christ as he is.
Concluding Prayer
Day 5
Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”
– St. John 6:67-69
Intention: That we may know Christ as the Incarnate Word, and follow him.
Concluding Prayer
Day 6
[Jesus asked the soldiers,] “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he; so, if you seek me, let these men go.” Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s slave and cut off his right ear.
– St. John 18:7-8,10a
Intention: That we may refrain from hasty or imprudent words and actions.
Concluding Prayer
Day 7
Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself.
– St. John 20:3-4, 6-7
Intention: That our lives may give witness to the Risen Lord Jesus Christ.
Concluding Prayer
Day 8
Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.
– St. John 21:15-17
Intention: That we may remain in close communion with the Successor of St. Peter, through whom Christ strengthens us.
Concluding Prayer
Day 9
Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.”
Acts 2:14
Intention: That in union with St. Peter we may proclaim the Gospel to the whole world.
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Concluding Prayer
CONCLUDING PRAYER (to be offered each day)
O Almighty God, who by thy Son Jesus Christ didst give to thy Apostle Saint Peter many excellent gifts, and commanded him earnestly to feed thy flock: make, we beseech thee, all Bishops and Pastors diligently to preach thy holy Word, and the people obediently to follow the same; that they may receive the crown of everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end.
Amen.
St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles; Pray for us.
Litany of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us.
Queen conceived without original sin, Pray for us.
Queen of Apostles, Pray for us.
Saint Peter, Pray for us.
Prince of the Apostles, Pray for us.
St. Peter, to whom were given the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, Pray for us.
St. Peter, so ardent for the glory of Christ, Pray for us.
St. Peter, whose heart was pierced with one look from Jesus, Pray for us.
St. Peter, who ceased not to grieve for having denied the Son of God, Pray for us.
St. Peter, whose cheeks were furrowed by a stream of tears which flowed to the end of thy life, Pray for us.
St. Peter, who cried out: Lord, thou knowest that I love Thee! Pray for us.
St. Peter, bound in chains for Christ, Pray for us.
St. Peter, delivered from prison by an angel, Pray for us.
St. Peter, who rejoiced to suffer for Christ, Pray for us.
St. Peter, whose very shadow healed the sick, Pray for us.
St. Peter, whose voice even the dead obeyed, Pray for us.
St. Peter, that we may have a constant and mutual charity among ourselves, Pray for us.
That we may taste and see more and more, how sweet is the Lord, Pray for us.
That we may be zealous in loyalty to thy successor, the present Vicar of Christ, Pray for us.
That we may help, at least by prayer, to restore to the unity of thy Holy See the scattered sheep, Pray for us.
That we may be prudent, and watch in prayer, Pray for us.
That we may die the death of the just, Pray for us.
V. Let the mercies of the Lord give glory to him,
R. And his wonderful works to the children of men.
V. Pray for us, Saint Peter the rock:
R. That we may be worthy of the Vicar of Christ.
Let us pray.
O God, Who, upon blessed Peter, Thine Apostle, didst bestow the pontifical power of binding and loosing, and didst give to him the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven: grant that his intercession may ensure our deliverance from the bondage of sin. Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.
Amen.
The Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter
On this feast of the Chair of Peter, let us take a moment to pray for all who renew the church, for Pope Francis, and for the unity of the churches.
Let us pray for all who renew the church.
Almighty God, we praise you for your servants, through whom you have called the church to its tasks and renewed its life. Raise up in our own day teachers and prophets inspired by your Spirit, whose voices will give strength to you church and proclaim the reality of your reign. Through Jesus Christ our Lord…
Let us pray for Francis, the Pope.
May the Lord preserve him, and give him life, and make him blessed upon the earth, and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.
(Traditional prayer for the successor of Peter.)
Let us pray for the unity of the church.
Almighty Father, whose blessed Son before his passion prayed for his disciples that they might be one, as you and he are one: Grant that your church, being bound together in love and obedience to you, may be united in one body by the one Spirit, that the world may believe in him whom you have sent, your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord…
Prayer to St. Peter
O glorious St. Peter, who, in return for thy lively and generous faith, thy profound and sincere humility, and thy burning love, wast honored by Jesus Christ with singular privileges, and, in particular, with the leadership of the other Apostles and the primacy over the whole Church, of which thou wast made the foundation stone, do thou obtain for us the grace of a lively faith, that shall not fear to profess itself openly, in its entirety, and in all its manifestations, even to the shedding of blood, if occasion should demand it, and to the sacrifice of life itself in preference to surrender. Obtain for us likewise, a sincere loyalty to our Holy Mother, the Church; grant that we may ever remain most closely and sincerely united to the Heir of thy Faith and thy Authority, the one, true, visible Head of the Catholic Church, that mystic Ark outside of which there is no salvation. Grant, moreover, that we may follow, in all humility and meekness, her teaching and Her counsels, and may be obedient to all Her precepts, in order to be able here on earth to enjoy a peace that is sure and undisturbed, and to attain one day in Heaven to everlasting happiness. Amen.
V. Pray for us, St. Peter the Apostle.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
O God, who hast given unto Thy blessed Apostle Peter the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and the power to bind and loose, grant that we may be delivered, through the help of his intercession, from the bonds of all our sins, Who livest and reignest forever and ever. Amen. (500 days.)
“My God, make us to be of one mind in truth and of one heart in charity.” (300 days — St. Pius X.)
Peter the Apostle
Novena to St. Peter for the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter
O Holy Apostle, you are the Rock upon which Almighty God has built His Church. Obtain for me I pray you: lively faith, firm hope, and burning love, complete detachment from myself, contempt of the world, patience in adversity, humility in prosperity, recollection in prayer, purity of heart, a right intention in all my works, diligence in fulfilling the duties of my state of life, constancy in my resolutions, resignation to the will of God and perseverance in the grace of God even unto death; that so, by means of your intercession and your glorious merits, I may be made worthy to appear before the Chief and Eternal Shepherd of Souls, Jesus Christ, Who with the Father and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns forever.
Amen.
O Glorious St Peter
O Glorious Saint Peter,
who, in return for thy strong and generous faith,
thy profound and sincere humility,
and thy burning love,
was rewarded by Jesus Christ with singular privileges,
and, in particular, with the leadership of the other Apostles
and the primacy of the whole Church,
of which you were made the foundation stone,
obtain for us the grace of a lively faith,
that shall not fear to profess itself openly,
in its entirety and in all of its manifestations,
even to the shedding of blood, if occasion should demand it,
and to sacrifice of life itself rather than surrender.
Obtain for us likewise, a sincere loyalty to our holy mother, the Church;
grant that we may ever remain most closely
and sincerely united to the Roman Pontiff,
who is the heir of thy faith and of thy authority,
the one, true, visible Head of the Catholic Church.
Grant, moreover, that we may follow,
in all humility and meekness,
her teaching and her advice,
and may be obedient to all her precepts,
in order to be able here on earth to enjoy
a peace that is sure and undisturbed,
and to attain one day in heaven to everlasting happiness.
Amen.
L. Pray for us, Saint Peter the Apostle,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let Us Pray:
O God,
who has given unto Thy blessed Apostle Peter
the keys to the kingdom of heaven,
and the power to bind and loose:
grant that we may be delivered,
through the help of this intercession,
from the slavery of all our sins:
Who lives and reigns world without end.
Amen.
St Peter, Pray for Us
Closing Prayer:
Lord,
Like Peter, I am sometimes so afraid,
yet you made him the rock of your Church.
I long to be closer to you.
Help me to remember that nothing is important in my life
unless it glorifies you in some way.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the day to day of my life and keep saying,
“Tomorrow, I will spend more time in prayer,”
but now my longing meets your love and I want to do it now.
Help me to rely on you for help.
The prayer asks you that I reach perfection.
Please, Lord, remind me that “perfection”
isn’t the crazy, “successful” way I try to live my life,
but a perfection of my most authentic, real self.
My “perfection” might be holding my many flaws in my open hands,
asking you to help me accept them.
Heal me, Lord, and help me to find you in the darkness of my life.
Let me reach out in this darkness and feel your hand and love there to guide me.
May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.
The Pope’s Terrifying Vision, an Ancient Miracle, and a Recent Coincidence: The Powerful Story of St. Michael!
What do a 5th-century Italian cave, an 1884 Vatican chapel, and a powerful prayer have in common? They’re all part of the Church’s rich history with St. Michael, our defender against the forces of darkness! 🙏 Learn the dramatic stories…
Let’s dive into some truly fascinating and significant moments in Catholic history involving the mighty Archangel St. Michael! These stories remind us of the reality of spiritual warfare and the powerful intercession available to us.
Have you ever heard the story of Pope Leo XIII’s vision? The account, deeply rooted in tradition, says that on October 13, 1884, during Mass in his private Vatican Chapel, the Pope experienced a terrifying and profound vision. He reportedly stood transfixed, his face ashen, seemingly witnessing something unseen by others present.
According to these accounts, Pope Leo XIII overheard a conversation between Jesus and Satan. Satan boasted that he could destroy the Church, asking for a period of time and greater power over those who would give themselves to his service. Our Lord, in His divine wisdom, granted him this time and power, confident that ultimately, the gates of hell would not prevail against the Church He founded.
Following this, Pope Leo XIII is said to have witnessed legions of demons unleashed from hell, raging against the Church and causing immense suffering and destruction. The vision also included a glimpse into the 20th century, a period many believe was marked by unprecedented levels of conflict, moral decay, systematic violence (like genocide), and a widespread turning away from faith (apostasy). But in the midst of this terrifying scene, Pope Leo also saw the glorious Saint Michael the Archangel appear and cast the demonic forces back into the abyss!
Profoundly moved and disturbed by this vision, Pope Leo XIII immediately composed the now-famous Prayer to St. Michael. Recognizing the urgent need for divine protection against the forces of evil, he mandated that this prayer be recited after every Low Mass throughout the world. This practice continued for many decades, serving as a spiritual shield for the faithful and the Church.
The Prayer to St. Michael is a powerful invocation for protection:
Saint 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 Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.
Beyond this powerful papal vision, the Church also honors St. Michael through ancient feast days. One significant commemoration is the Feast of the Apparition of St. Michael, celebrated on May 8th. This feast day has its roots in a remarkable event that took place on Mount Gargano in Apulia, Italy.
Around the year 492 AD, tradition tells of a shepherd on Mount Gargano searching for a lost bull. He found the animal inside a cave. When he shot an arrow at it, the arrow miraculously turned back and wounded him. The local bishop, seeking divine guidance for this mysterious event, ordered three days of prayer and fasting. Following this period, St. Michael the Archangel appeared to the bishop.
St. Michael declared the cave sacred, stating that he had chosen it himself and wished it to be a place dedicated to God and the angels, a sanctuary where the sins of men could be forgiven and prayers would be heard. The cave on Mount Gargano became one of the earliest and most important shrines dedicated to St. Michael in Western Europe, a major pilgrimage site for centuries, underscoring the Archangel’s role as a protector and intercessor.
Now, here’s where history and recent events intersect in a striking way. While the account about Pope Leo XIII and the Mount Gargano apparition are well-established in Catholic tradition, there was a mention of a “Pope Leo XIV elected on May 8th, 2025.”
Interestingly, according to recent reports that surfaced around that date, a papal conclave did indeed take place in May 2025, and Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope, taking the name Leo XIV, on May 8, 2025 – the very Feast of the Apparition of Saint Michael on Mount Gargano! While the specific details mentioned in the initial prompt about his election date and name aligned with these reports, the election itself is a very recent event, not a historical one from the distant past like the vision or the apparition.
Many see this coincidence – the election of a Pope Leo XIV on the feast day commemorating a key apparition of St. Michael and sharing the name of the Pope who instituted the St. Michael Prayer after a vision – as highly symbolic. Perhaps it’s a powerful reminder of St. Michael’s continued vigilance over the Church, a call to renewed spiritual warfare, and a sign of hope under the patronage of the great Archangel in these challenging times.
These accounts – from Pope Leo XIII’s dramatic vision and the subsequent prayer, to the ancient apparition on Mount Gargano and the recent papal election on St. Michael’s feast day – all point to the enduring belief in St. Michael’s crucial role as a defender against evil and a protector of the Church and the faithful.
Let us continue to implore his powerful intercession! https://saintmichaelusa.org/archangels/
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