Tradition tells us that Saint Anthony gave this prayer to a poor woman who sought help against the temptations of the devil.
Pope Sixtus V, a Franciscan, engraved this prayer, which is also known as the ‘Motto of St. Anthony’, at the base of the obelisk he erected in St. Peter's Square in Rome. Here it is in the original Latin:
Ecce Crucem Domini!
Fugite partes adversae!
Vicit Leo de tribu Juda,
Radix David! Alleluia!
English Translation:
Behold the Cross of the Lord!
Flee ye adversaries!
The Lion of the tribe of Judah,
The root of David has conquered! Alleluia!
This short prayer is like a small exorcism. We should use it often to help us overcome temptations.
