Today the Church celebrates the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, the three Archangels named in Sacred Scripture.

The word “angel” means messenger, and throughout Scripture angels appear as servants of God who carry out his will. Among them, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are each entrusted with a particular mission.

Saint Michael appears in the Book of Daniel as the great prince who defends God’s people. In the Book of Revelation, he leads the heavenly armies in battle against the forces of evil. Devotion to Saint Michael is one of the Church’s oldest angelic devotions and he is traditionally invoked for protection and strength in spiritual battle.

Saint Gabriel is also mentioned in Daniel, but is best known from the Gospel of Luke. It is Gabriel who announces the birth of Saint John the Baptist to Zechariah and who is sent by God to Nazareth to announce to the Blessed Virgin Mary that she will become the Mother of Jesus. His greeting, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you,” has echoed through the prayer of the Church ever since.

Saint Raphael appears in the Book of Tobit, where he accompanies the young Tobias on his journey, helps bring about his marriage to Sarah and restores the sight of his father Tobit. His name means “God heals”, and he is especially associated with healing, guidance and protection for travellers.

For centuries the three Archangels were honoured on separate days. In the revision of the Roman calendar following the Second Vatican Council, their celebrations were brought together on 29 September.

Today we give thanks for the unseen ministry of the angels and ask Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael to accompany us in faith, protect us from evil, guide us in God’s ways and help lead us closer to Christ.

🙏 Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, pray for us.