The Leonine Prayers for

the Conversion of Russia

by Rev. Father Philip Foster, C. Ss. R.
Our Heavenly Mother Mary at Fatima came to save us from the scourge of
Militant Atheism. Cardinal Ratzinger has pointed this out, referring to Soviet
Russia and its satellite countries as "the shame of our time." As Sister Lucy, in
her authentic interview with Father Fuentes, said, "She (Our Lady) said that
Russia will be the instrument of chastisement chosen by Heaven to punish the
whole world if we do not beforehand obtain the conversion of that poor nation."
Now more than ever our public prayer is needed for the conversion of Russia.
Let us recall that it was in 1962 that the Vatican-Moscow Agreement was
concluded, whereby the Pope undertook to not publicly denounce the
Communist Regime of Moscow. Apparently prayers for the conversion of Russia
were also unacceptable to the Communist tyrants. So the prayers for the
conversion of Russia after Mass were dropped around 1964. Now that Pope John
Paul II, after over 20 years of papal silence regarding Russian Communism, is
again denouncing the errors of Marxism, let us once more have public prayers
for the conversion of Russia.
To this end we bring you an article by a parish priest from South Africa.

Saint Michael the Archangel who appeared at Fatima, Pray for us.

Shortly after the Second World War it was reported that a Soviet Red Army
Captain had sought asylum in the West. It came to his notice that in the
Catholic Church every day after every Mass all over the world prayers were
being offered for the conversion of his poor country, and the thought of this
literally brought tears to his eyes. Seldom had he been so moved and touched.
If he should still be alive today what must he be thinking now?
One of the most inexplicable "developments" in the Liturgy changes after
the Second Vatican Council was the sudden and total dropping of the Leonine
prayers which since the Lateran Treaty of 1929 had been applied to the
intention of the conversion of Russia by Pope Pius XI. This one-time vast
volume of prayer for the most urgent need of human history had suddenly
vanished without a trace, and at a time when surely the need was even everincreasing. The threat of Russia was a principal theme of Our Lady's revealed
secret of Fatima.
The reasons given - and only when asked for - for the expulsion of these
beautiful prayers has never been more than that they are now liturgically
inappropriate with the New Mass (Missa Normativa); but Goodness knows WHY.
- "Oh, you CAN put in a petition for Russia's Conversion in the Bidding Prayers,"
they say. But in any case, how many do? And if some do, does this begin to
make up for that once vast volume of prayer rising up from perhaps 300,000
Masses each day with or without congregation?
What is needed is a concerted effort by like-minded persons in the Church
to have these prayers brought back or at least their equivalent. Every
conceivable pressure should be used to impress their need upon all priests and
especially upon the Hierarchy. I personally feel sure that our present Pope, John
Paul II, with his experience of Polish life under the Soviet heel would be
sympathetic towards such a restoration.
For my part as writer of this article I wish to say that since I came to my
present parish of Rustenburg in 1975 I have restored the saying of these
prayers after every Mass in weekdays and on Sundays except where the Mass
has singing. No one is bound to stay to recite them, as I amply make clear, but
they nearly all seem to do so and to appreciate them. My own parish council
was first asked what they thought and gave their unanimous approval. But the
responsibility is mine, and I harbor no qualms of conscience about acting
incorrectly.
How about at grass roots starting a campaign for the restoration of those
vitally necessary prayers?
***

to be said after Mass are: Three 'Hail Marys,' one 'Hail Holy Queen'
and
The Leonine Prayers
"O God, our refuge and our strength, look down in mercy upon the people
who cry to Thee; and by the intercession of the Glorious and Immaculate Virgin
Mary, Mother of God, of Saint Joseph Her Spouse, of the Blessed Apostles Peter
and Paul, and of all the Saints, in Thy mercy and goodness hear our prayers for
the conversion of sinners, and for the liberty and exaltation of the Holy Mother
the Church, we ask this through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen."
"Holy Michael the Archangel, defend us in the day of battle; be our
safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him,
we humbly pray: And do thou, Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God
thrust down to hell satan and all wicked spirits, who wander throughout the
world for the ruin of souls. Amen."
"Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us."
"Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us."
"Most Sacred Heart of
Jesus, have mercy on us."
"Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us."