Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels
The Feast of the Archangels, celebrated on September 29th, honors the three angels named in Sacred Scripture: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. This date has been associated with Saint Michael since at least the 5th century.
Saint Michael the Archangel
Michael, whose name means "Who is like God?", is the leader of the heavenly armies. He appears in Scripture as the defender of God's people:
"There was war in the sky. Michael and his angels made war on the dragon. The dragon and his angels made war. They didn’t prevail. No place was found for them any more in heaven." — Revelation 12:7-8
Michael is the patron saint of soldiers, police officers, and all who protect others. He is invoked for protection against evil and at the hour of death.
Saint Gabriel the Archangel
Gabriel, meaning "Strength of God," is the heavenly messenger. He appears to:
- Daniel to explain visions (Daniel 8-9)
- Zechariah to announce John the Baptist's birth
- Mary to announce the Incarnation
"Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of David’s house. The virgin’s name was Mary." — Luke 1:26-27
Gabriel is the patron of communications workers, postal employees, and diplomats.
Saint Raphael the Archangel
Raphael, meaning "God heals," appears in the Book of Tobit. Disguised as a traveler, he accompanies young Tobias on a journey, protecting him from dangers and healing Tobias's father of blindness.
"I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels which present the prayers of the saints and go in before the glory of the Holy One.'" — Tobit 12:15
Raphael is the patron of travelers, doctors, nurses, and the sick.
The Ministry of Angels
The Catechism teaches: "The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls 'angels' is a truth of faith" (CCC 328).
Angels serve God by:
- Worshiping him unceasingly
- Delivering his messages
- Protecting his people
- Battling against evil
- Presenting our prayers before God's throne
Guardian Angels
While the Archangels have cosmic roles, we also have individual guardian angels assigned to protect and guide us—commemorated separately on October 2nd.