The Three Archangels
Feast day: September 29
The three Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael: protector, messenger and healer.
Who are they?
Angels are spiritual creatures, without bodies, who always serve God. Of all the many angels, the Bible tells us the names of only three, and each one’s name tells us the work God gave him. The Church celebrates the three Archangels together on the same day.
Their story
Michael means “Who is like God?”. The Book of Daniel calls him the “great prince, guardian of your people” (Dn 12:1). The Book of Revelation tells how “Michael and his angels” fought against the great serpent, that is, the devil, and it was thrown out of heaven (cf. Rv 12:7-9). That is why pictures show him in armor, holding a sword, with his foot on a dragon.
Gabriel means “Strength of God.” He is the messenger who brings good news. In the Temple, he told Zechariah that his wife would have a son named John (cf. Lk 1:11-20). He introduced himself: “I am Gabriel, who stand before God” (Lk 1:19). Six months later, he went to the village of Nazareth and told Mary that she would give birth to a son and name him Jesus (cf. Lk 1:26-38).
Raphael means “God heals.” The Book of Tobit tells how he looked like a travel companion and went with young Tobiah on a long journey. He showed the young man how to use the gall of a fish to heal the eyes of his father, Tobit. Only at the end of the journey did he reveal: “I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand and serve before the Glory of the Lord” (Tb 12:15).
Why are they saints?
The three Archangels are always faithful to God and gladly do his will. They serve God by helping people: protecting, bringing good news and healing. The Church still calls on Saint Michael for protection in the fight against evil.
A lesson for you
- When you are tempted to do something bad, quietly ask Saint Michael the Archangel to help you have the courage to resist.
- Like Saint Gabriel, cheerfully bring good news and kind words to others.
- When you or someone in your family is sick, ask Saint Raphael to pray for them to have peace.
Identifying marks
- Saint Michael holding a sword and a shield with a cross, his foot on a dragon: he fights against the great serpent, “who is called the Devil and Satan” (Rv 12:9).
- Saint Gabriel holding a white lily: he brought the news to the Virgin Mary; the lily recalls Mary’s purity (cf. Lk 1:26-38).
- Saint Raphael holding a traveler’s staff and a fish: he went along with young Tobiah; the gall of the fish healed the eyes of Tobit (cf. Tb 6; 11).
- Large white wings: a sign that angels are God’s messengers.
The text on this page is the saint card in the Catholic Information app, word for word.
Collect this card and read more about the saints in the app