Vade retro satana
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Vade retro satana ("Step back, Satan") is a Medieval Catholic formula for exorcism, recorded in a 1415 manuscript found in the Abbey of Metten in Bavaria and traditionally attributed to Saint Benedict.
Text
The Latin text says:
- Crux sancta sit mihi lux / Non draco sit mihi dux
- Vade retro satana / Nunquam suade mihi vana
- Sunt mala quae libas / Ipse venena bibas
- "May the Holy Cross be my light / Let not the dragon lead me
- Step back Satan / Never tempt me with vain things
- What you offer me is evil / Drink the poison yourself."
Origins and usage
The verse Vade retro satana was probably inspired on a phrase by Jesus to Peter in the Vulgate New Testament, Mark 8:33: vade retro me, satana ("Step back from me, Satan!").
In Catholic tradition, the formula (sometimes reduced to the vade retro verse) 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) were often engraved around crucifixes or Catholic religious medals featuring Saint Benedict.
The French use the expression humourously when they are referring to a person they don't like.
See also
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