In 1733 Saint Paul of the Cross constructed the first Passionist Retreat on Monte Argentario with permission of the local authorities and the Benedictine Abbot Nullius of Saint Paul’s Outside the Walls in Rome. He was at time same time the Diocesan Bishop of Orbitello and Port Ercole where the first Passionist House was canonically located. The mountain which possesses a magnificent panorama of Port Ercole was within the civil jurisdiction of the Garrison Town of Orbitello. The construction of the Monastery wing and Church was exhausting. The building materials had to be brought up from the wharf of the inlet below on a long and winding road. It took a time for the edifice to take shape. At a certain moment, some sort of diabolical element entered into the citizens below. They came at night to burn down the sleeping quarters and kitchen of the Passionists and to tear down the stone Oratory. Being practically alone, Paul had no defense. He cried out in all desperation and sincerity for the protection of God. Suddenly a vision of Saint Michael with a flaming sword appeared over the construction site. The would-be vandals fled in terror. From that moment on, Saint Paul of the Cross dedicated his Congregation to the protection of Saint Michael who was to be universally commemorated on this day.
There is evidence that, according to the 1746 Customs of the Congregation, daily prayers were to be said in thanksgiving to Saint Michael and to ask his protection for the Congregation Universal. At the same time, Saint Paul of the Cross recommended the following prayer to the Guardian Angels to be said twice daily, after the main meals and before recreation in a general thanksgiving recited in the Monastery Choir. It was to accompany the recitation of the Angelus. It was formally called the Santi Angeli:
“Holy Angels of God, our protectors, defend us in danger. Do not let us perish in the great struggle, but deliver us from every evil, O Holy Angels of God, and guide us in all our ways.”
Until 1970 that prayer was recited universally when two or more Passionists exited the Monastery together. Saint Paul of the Cross and his successors were firm in stating that, since most of the Passionist Houses were located on mountains or high on a windy hill, they could foresee devils climbing up to impede the lives and work of the Religious. He therefore suggested the prayer as a means of keeping pure in spirit and in intention. This day, the entire Congregation implores the intercession of The Mighty Michael in these uncertain times. Saint Michael, the Archangel, pray for us.
- Father Jerome Vereb, C.P.
