A large red cross structures the blessing of Saint Anthony. The figure is also a written prayer: its words are part of the sign.
Read the symbolism
The note explains the formula Ecce crucem Domini, which presents the cross of the Lord and asks the enemy powers to withdraw. The text evokes the Lion of Judah and the lineage of David. The cross and the inscriptions form a single blessing.
The attributed effects
Julio attributes to it assistance in temptations, afflictions, sorrows, and ailments. He recounts a traditional story in which Saint Anthony gives this prayer to a woman in deep distress. The entry conveys the religious meaning of this attribution.
Its use by Julio
The note associates carrying the prayer with reciting it. The characters inscribed around the cross must therefore be read together with the explanation. The support forms part of the blessing and consecration practices described at the end of the work.
Personal reading
For personal reading, let the cross guide your gaze, then return to the request for help. You can pray for a suffering person by expressing an intention of presence and comfort.
The source and variants
The reproduction shows the large cross and the formula of Saint Anthony. It is distinct from the All-Powerful Conjuration, composed of three invocations marked by three crosses. The physical location of the plates is not sufficient to identify their text.
Abbé Julio, The Secret Book of Great Exorcisms and Blessings, Vincennes, published by the author, 1908. Explanation and application no. 52, pp. 442–443. Practical advice on blessed and consecrated supports: pp. 462–463.
Classical directory numbering: 23 of 44. This numbering differs from the inventory of engravings in the old volumes.
Read the note in the 1908 edition
Engraving taken from the copy digitized by the Divinity School Library, Duke University / Internet Archive, at 360 dpi. Composition, typefaces, and colors preserved.
