The Holy Archangels of God, Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael

By Karen Riobo

Today, on September 29th, The Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of The Archangels. Archangels are heavenly beings that possess intellect and will and were sent to us as messengers and protectors on behalf of God. The (3) Archangels are St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael. We learn about them from the bible, each of them had a special assignment from God for His people. According to the meaning of their name, they have a special mission and patronage. 

Believers are encouraged to grow in friendship with them and seek their loving intercession. These Archangels, and all the holy angels, are servants of God, forever gazing upon the face of the Father in heaven (Matthew 18:10).

Michael means Who is like God? St. Michael is the archangel who fought against Satan and all his evil angels, defending all the friends of God. Gabriel means Strength of God, known as the messenger that announced to Zachariah the birth of John the Baptist, and to Mary, the birth of Jesus. Raphael Medicine of God or God has healed is the archangel who took care of Tobias on his journey to meeting Rachel, his wife. 

Special Patronage 

For centuries, Catholics have sought the intercession of the Archangels. The Church has given specific patronage to each and we are invited to ask for their unfailing aid every day. 

We should seek the help of St. Michael against temptations; against powers of evil, if you are an artist; baker; banker; in battle; all boatmen; cemeteries; coopers; endangered children; at the moment of death; Emergency Medical Technicians; fencing; grocers; hatmakers; holy death; knights; mariners; mountaineers; paramedics; paratroopers; police officers; radiologists; sailors; the sick; security forces; soldiers; those in need of protection from fears.

St. Gabriel is the patron of ambassadors; broadcasting; childbirth; clergy; communications; diplomats; messengers; philatelists; postal workers; public relations; radio workers; secular clergy; stamp collectors; telecommunications.

And St. Raphael will help with bodily ills; counselors; eye problems; guardian angels; happy meetings; health technicians; love; lovers; mental illness; nurses; pharmacists; physicians; shepherds; against sickness; therapists; travelers; young people; young people leaving home for the first time.

Archangels in the Bible

Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. ~ Revelation 12:7-9

And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stands before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce this good news. But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” ~ St. Luke 1,19-20

So Raphael was sent to heal them both: to remove the white scales from Tobit’s eyes so that he might again see with his own eyes God’s light; and to give Sarah, the daughter of Raguel, as a wife to Tobiah, the son of Tobit, and to rid her of the wicked demon Asmodeus. For it fell to Tobiah’s lot to claim her before any others who might wish to marry her. ~Tobit 3, 17

On this day, we celebrate the hope found in the help of these Holy beings. 

Our faith in the Lord’s promises and continued care through the Angels shows us the unfailing Love of our God. 

Happy Feast of the Archangels!

Holy Archangels of God, Pray for Us.

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