Prayer of exorcism in Latin (16th or 17th century)

300 or 400 years ago, a scholar wrote a long prayer in Latin to deliver and protect from the devil and witches.

Extensive manuscript prayer in Latin. Two leaves, three pages. The author of the manuscript has not been identified. Basically, in Latin, some notes in Portuguese, with a drawing representing the cross: INRI (Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum). A transcript of the document, in both Latin and French, is available on demand. 14 cm x 20 cm. Document found in Brazil, written in Brazil or Portugal, 16th or 17th century. Excellent condition. Single piece.

Popular tradition says that St. Anthony gave a prayer to a poor woman who sought help against the temptations of the devil. Sixtus V, a Franciscan pope, had the prayer sculpted – also called the “motto of Saint Anthony” – at the base of the obelisk, which he had erected in St. Peter's Square, in Rome.

Here is the original prayer, in Latin

Ecce Crucem Domini! +

Flee adverse parties! +

Vicit Leo de tribu Juda, +

Radix David! Hallelujah!

Here is the translation, in Portuguese

Behold the cross of the Lord! +

Flee enemy forces! +

Conquered the Lion of Judah, +

The root of David! Hallelujah!

This short prayer has all the flavor of a little exorcism. It can also be used – in Latin or Portuguese – to help overcome the temptations that present themselves to us.

What is the origin of the Blessing of St. Anthony?

According to the Convent of Santo Antônio e Aleteia, there is very little research on the origin of this blessing. And no more recent serious research. To this day, the most quoted is that of the Bollandists. And yet, it is based on a legend. They tell it like this:

There was in Portugal, in the reign of King Diniz, a person tormented by diabolical vexations. The enemy of our salvation always appeared to him in the form of Jesus Christ and ordered him to throw himself into the Tagus River, to obtain the remission of his sins and the heavenly reward. The unfortunate woman, deceived by Satan's lies, decided one day to drown herself. On the way, he found a Franciscan chapel that appeared far from the disastrous project and gave him a parchment, telling him to always carry it with him. When he woke up, he found the precious sheet suspended around his neck, on which some lines were read, later called “Breve or Carta de Santo António”. Immediately, the effectiveness of the heavenly remedy was felt: Satan's obsession immediately disappeared.

The king of Portugal, having learned of the miracle, wanted to see the wonderful writing and sent for it. Since being deprived of his treasure, the person has fallen into the power of the devil. They brought him an exact copy of the miraculous Brief. He received it with confidence, carrying it day and night with him. At the same moment, he regained peace and was freed from such temptations. The king preserved the original among the crown relics.

This manuscript, written in Latin, dating from the 16th or 17th centuries according to a French expert, is in perfect condition. It is the extended form of the original prayer, but we do not find out who the author of this paper is. Autographed documents, dealing with the theme of exorcism, are very rare and the aesthetics of the writing impressed me; that's what motivated me to present this very unique piece to you.