When the idea of the Knights of St. Michael was forming in my thoughts and prayers, I kept seeing images of St. Michael that reinforced the his choice as our patron. The Rev. Dr. Ronald Moore, Parish Priest and Theologian wrote to me, “St. Michael is exactly the right patron, not as a symbol of perpetual conflict, but of ordered strength under authority.” Father Moore has many excellent articles on Substack.
One of the images that came to me was on a book I saw on the book table at the Diocesan Center for Ministry. I picked up the book, intrigued by the title, “Spiritual Warfare Prayers.” Click the image for the book seller’s page.
The first page starts with the Anima Christi. This is also in the St. Augustine’s Prayer Book on page 106, entitled the Aspirations of St. Ignatius. Aspirations are strong, long-term, ambitions or goals.
Soul of Christ, sanctify me; Body of Christ, save me; Blood of Christ, inebriate me; Water from the side of Christ, wash me; Passion of Christ, strengthen me; O good Jesus, hear me; within your wounds, hide me; let me never be separated from you; from the evil one, protect me; at the hour of my death, call me; and bid me to come to you; that with your saints, I may praise you forever and ever. Amen.
This version differs from the Prayer Book, which is in KJV English, but the sentiment is the same. We need Jesus Christ in all these ways, every day. The goals of the Anima Christi are good ones for the Knights of St. Michael!
Another book offered at https://www.catholicwarriors.com/ is The Catholic Warrior, and I have ordered one to see how it can help us in our spiritual warfare. This is the description: “The Catholic Warrior takes readers through spiritual boot camp and teaches them to draw on the power of Christ through a warrior’s greatest weapons —faith, love and prayer. It concludes with the great commission for those who are willing to accept the challenge and join the ranks.” I think we are going to like it!
As I find more books that might help us on our journey, I will post reviews here. God bless you all!
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