Feast of the Archangels
Michael, Gabriel, and RaphaelOn Monday, the Church honors God’s messenger angels, the archangels – Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, who unceasingly glorify God and present to Him our prayers and petitions.
To profile them simply – Michael protects, Gabriel announces, and Raphael guides.
Michael protects us against Satan and all his evil. His name in Hebrew means “Who is like God,” which indicates his position of honor among the angels. St. Michael is referred to as the prince of the heavenly host in the book of Daniel, and the protector of all humanity in our battle against the enemy.
Gabriel gives understanding, insight, and direct messages from God. He appeared to Daniel to explain a vision about the Messiah, and to Zachariah about the birth of his son, John the Baptist. However, Gabriel is most notable for appearing as the messenger of the Annunciation before Our Lady. He addressed her by the words we lovingly pray, “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee,” as he proceeded to tell her of God’s ultimate plan for her to be the Mother of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
The story of Raphael, as healer and traveler, is told in the Old Testament Book of Tobit, one of the biblical novellas. God sends the Archangel Raphael in disguise to help a devout and noble Jewish man, Tobit, as an answer to prayer and a reward for the man’s charitable life. This short book in the bible illustrates how true faith and devotion to God and family is so more powerful than evil.How can we personally honor them?
In honor of Michael the Archangel pray the Prayer to St. Michael.
In honor of angel Gabriel recite the Angelus (traditionally at 6 am and noon).
In honor of Archangel Raphael read the Book of Tobit it is only 14 short chapters, but overflowing with inspirational devotion.
