Saint Gabriel the Archangel

Who is he?

Saint Gabriel is one of the three archangels the Bible mentions by name, together with Michael and Raphael. Angels are spiritual creatures with no bodies. The wings in paintings are only a picture to help us understand how quickly they do God’s will. God sent Gabriel to announce the most important good news.

Life story

In the Old Testament, he was sent to help the prophet Daniel understand the visions God showed him (cf. Dn 8:16; 9:21).

Many centuries later, in the Temple in Jerusalem, the priest Zechariah was offering incense when Gabriel appeared. He announced that Elizabeth, Zechariah’s wife, would have a son, to be named John. Zechariah did not believe, because he and his wife were old. The angel said: “I am Gabriel, who stand in the presence of God” (Lk 1:19). Zechariah could not speak until the day the child was named (cf. Lk 1:5-25, 59-64).

Six months later, God sent him to the village of Nazareth, to a virgin named Mary. He greeted her: “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” (Lk 1:28). Seeing that Mary was troubled, he said: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God” (Lk 1:30). He announced that she would give birth to a son, to be named Jesus, and that he would be called the Son of God.

Mary asked how this could happen. He explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, “For with God nothing will be impossible” (Lk 1:37). Mary answered: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38). Then the angel left her. At that very moment, the Son of God became man.

His greeting to Mary has become the first part of the Hail Mary, which Catholics all over the world pray every day.

Why is he a saint?

Saint Gabriel always stands before God and is ready to do his will. He faithfully brought God’s word to people exactly as it was given, adding nothing and leaving nothing out. Because of his announcement, Mary said “yes”, and our salvation began.

A lesson for you

• Every time you pray the Hail Mary, remember that you are greeting Our Lady with the angel’s own words.
• Be a messenger of good news: speak encouraging words and tell your friends about God.
• When God asks you to do something through your parents or teachers, be quick to do it, like the angel.