Pope Francis Consecrates Vatican to Archangel Michael’s Protection

So begins the true Exorcism of the Vatican; the new Pope (aka St. Francis) officially and ritually invites his Archangelic boss to come and help clean up the mess at the heart of darkness.  Updates to follow - pictures at 11!   DT the ET

Posted By Stephen Cook On July 7, 2013

Pope Francis was joined by Pope emeritus Benedict XVI as he consecrated the Vatican to Archangel Michael’s protection

Stephen: My heart tells me this ceremony was way more symbolic than the somewhat simple blessing of a statue of our favourite archangel. Read between the lines of the Pope’s speech and you may see a far more universal picture being painted – or should i say, scuplted. As Pope Francis states: “This sculpture reminds us that evil is vanquished”. 

Benedict XVI joins Pope Francis in Consecrating Vatican to St Michael Archangel

From Vatican Radio – July 5, 2013

http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2013/07/05/benedict_xvi_joins_pope_francis_in_consecrating_vatican_to_st_michael/en1-707709

(Vatican Radio) To the joy of Vatican City State workers, Friday morning Pope Francis was joined by Pope emeritus Benedict XVI in the gardens for a ceremony during which the Holy Father blessed a statue of St Michael Archangel, at the same time consecrating the Vatican to the Archangel’s protection.

Following a brief ceremony, Pope Francis addressed those present noting how St. Michael defends the People of God from its enemy par excellence, the devil. He said even if the devil attempts to disfigure the face of the Archangel and thus the face of humanity, St Michael wins, because God acts in him and is stronger:

“In the Vatican Gardens there are several works of art. But this, which has now been added, takes on particular importance, in its location as well as the meaning it expresses. In fact it is not just celebratory work but an invitation to reflection and prayer, that fits well into the Year of Faith.

Michael – which means “Who is like God” – is the champion of the primacy of God, of His transcendence and power.

“Michael struggles to restore divine justice and defends the People of God from his enemies, above all by the enemy par excellence, the devil. And St. Michael wins because in him, there is He God who acts.

“This sculpture reminds us then that evil is overcome, the accuser is unmasked, his head crushed, because salvation was accomplished once and for all in the blood of Christ.

“Though the devil always tries to disfigure the face of the Archangel and that of humanity, God is stronger, it is His victory and His salvation that is offered to all men.

“We are not alone on the journey or in the trials of life, we are accompanied and supported by the Angels of God, who offer, so to speak, their wings to help us overcome so many dangers, in order to fly high compared to those realities that can weigh down our lives or drag us down. In consecrating Vatican City State to St. Michael the Archangel, I ask him to defend us from the evil one and banish him. ”

“We also consecrate Vatican City State in St. Joseph, guardian of Jesus, the guardian of the Holy Family. May his presence make us stronger and more courageous in making space for God in our lives to always defeat evil with good. We ask Him to protect, take care of us, so that a life of grace grows stronger in each of us every day. ”

Catholic Culture also reported this special moment via Catholic World News:

Pope Dedicates Statue of St. Michael Archangel; Benedict Attends Ceremony

CWN – July 05, 2013
http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=18374

Pope Francis dedicated a statue of St. Michael the Archangel in the Vatican Gardens on July 5. Pope-emeritus Benedict attended the ceremony, making his first official public appearance at the Vatican since his resignation.

Pope Francis had specifically invited his predecessor to participate in the official unveiling of the new statue, Vatican officials said. The retired Pontiff sat beside Pope Francis during the ceremony. He was warmly greeted by the small crowd that assembled for the occasion, but did not speak.

“We consecrate Vatican City State to St. Michael Archangel, asking him to defend us against evil and to banish it,” the Pope said as he dedicated the statue, which he described as “an invitation to reflection and prayer.” St. Michael, he said, “defends the People of God from enemies and above all from the greatest enemy of all, the evil.”

“This sculpture reminds us that evil is vanquished,” Pope Francis said.