Vade Retro Satana Ward
The Vade Retro Satana is a famous formula in Latin which translates roughly to “Go Back, Satan or "Step back, Satan." It has ties to a phrase spoken by Jesus to peter in the New Testament Gospel of Mark 8:53 Vade retro me, Satana or “get behind me, Satan.”
The exact origin of the passage is not fully clear. The passage came to general attention in 1647. Some self proclaimed witches women who were being tried for witchcraft declared that they had been unable to do harm where there was a cross. The St. Michael's Benedictine Abbey in Metten (founded in 766) was particularly exempt from their influence. A search of the monastery turned up crosses painted on the walls with the formula's initials. No one was sure the purpose of the letters.
The meaning of those letters remained a mystery for some time. The letters were found to be an old formula for protection against evil. This formula’s complete verses were found in a manuscript dating to 1415 in the abbey's library, next to an image of St. Benedict. The same formula was later found in an Austrian manuscript from 1340/50.
Following its 1647 rediscovery, the formula was superstition, but after the formula was struck and sold on talisman medals, it received the approval of Pope Benedict XIV, and became part of the Roman Catholic Ritual in 1742. The formula's popularity grew considerably in the 19th century. In current Catholic tradition, the formula is used to repel any possible evil thing or happening, as a "spoken amulet." The initials of this formula (VRSNSMV SMQLIVB or VRS:NSMV:SMQL:IVB) have often been engraved around crucifixes or Catholic Saint Benedict Medals at least since 1780. The Vade Retro Satana remains part of the Roman Catholic ritual following the 20th century revision of the ritual and its final promulgation in 1999.
There are many ways to use the medal and in this case we are hearkening back to the monastery. We advise you to place one medal in each of the 4 foundation walls of your home. They may be simply nailed to the wall, often in an inconspicuous place. When you hang each medal, recite say five Gloria’s , three Ave’s and then three more Gloria’s to secure the protection of St. Benedict. This blessing is best done on a Tuesday, although any day will suffice.
Associated Prayers for the Ward
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Ave Maria
HAIL MARY, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and in the hour of our death. Amen. |
Gloria
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God's people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks; we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen. |
Additional lore
The medals themselves can be used in many additional ways:
No special way of carrying or applying the Medal is prescribed to use the medal in everyday life. It may be worn around the neck, attached to the scapular or the Rosary or simply carried in one's pocket. Often it is placed in the fields, the foundations of buildings or attached to automobiles to call down God's blessing and the protection of St. Benedict. No particular prayer is prescribed, as the devout wearing itself is a continual silent prayer.
The ritual is often reduced to it’s short form Vade retro satana and can be used as a form of exorcism.
According to H. C. Lea (1896), "As a rule...it suffices to wear a St Benedict medal devoutly, but, if some special favor is desired, it is advisable on a Tuesday to say five Gloria’s , three Ave’s and then three more Gloria’s to secure the protection of St. Benedict.”
No special way of carrying or applying the Medal is prescribed to use the medal in everyday life. It may be worn around the neck, attached to the scapular or the Rosary or simply carried in one's pocket. Often it is placed in the fields, the foundations of buildings or attached to automobiles to call down God's blessing and the protection of St. Benedict. No particular prayer is prescribed, as the devout wearing itself is a continual silent prayer.
The ritual is often reduced to it’s short form Vade retro satana and can be used as a form of exorcism.
According to H. C. Lea (1896), "As a rule...it suffices to wear a St Benedict medal devoutly, but, if some special favor is desired, it is advisable on a Tuesday to say five Gloria’s , three Ave’s and then three more Gloria’s to secure the protection of St. Benedict.”
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In Latin the text is:
Crux sancta sit mihi lux / Non draco sit mihi dux Vade retro satana / Numquam suade mihi vana Sunt mala quae libas / Ipse venena bibas |
In approximate English translation:
"Let the Holy Cross be my light / Let not the dragon be my guide Step back Satan / Never tempt me with vain things What you offer me is evil / You drink the poison yourself." |