Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels

Archangels are powerful messengers of God. The word “archangel” means “chief angel.” They have special roles in God’s plan. The Bible mentions three archangels by name: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Each one has a different mission.

St. Michael is known as the protector. He leads God’s army against evil. St. Gabriel is the messenger. He brings important messages from God, like when he told Mary she would be the mother of Jesus. St. Raphael is the healer. He helps and guides people in need, like he did for Tobias in the Book of Tobit.

The Church teaches that archangels watch over us. They fight against evil, share God’s messages, and offer healing. Catholics believe the archangels help us in our daily lives. They remind us that God is always with us, even when we face challenges.

On September 29, the Church celebrates the feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. This is a day to honor these three archangels. It is also a reminder to pray for their help and protection. Many Catholics have a strong devotion to the archangels, seeking their guidance in prayer.

St. Michael is the leader of God’s angels. His name means “Who is like God?” In the Bible, St. Michael appears in several key moments. In the Book of Revelation, he leads God’s army against Satan. He defeats the evil angels and casts them out of heaven. St. Michael also appears in the Book of Daniel as the protector of God’s people. The Church has always seen him as a strong defender against evil.

Michael’s name means “Who is like God?” This rhetorical question serves as a battle cry and a reminder that no one can compare to God. It emphasizes his role as a divine defender, not just a heavenly messenger.

St. Michael is the patron saint of soldiers, police officers, and those who fight against evil. He is also the protector of the Church. Many Catholics pray to St. Michael for strength and courage. One of the most well-known prayers is the “St. Michael Prayer.” It asks for his help in the battle against evil. Many people say this prayer daily.

There are also special devotions to St. Michael. These include the “Chaplet of St. Michael,” which is a series of prayers honoring him. Some people wear St. Michael medals for protection. In many places, there are statues and images of St. Michael showing him holding a sword or stepping on a dragon. These symbols show his victory over evil.

The Church celebrates his role as a protector. Many parishes hold special Masses and prayers to honor him on his feast day. It is a day to remember his strength and ask for his help. Catholics trust in St. Michael’s protection and seek his aid in times of trouble.

St. Gabriel is known as the messenger angel. His name means “God is my strength.” He appears three times in the Bible. In the Book of Daniel, he helps Daniel understand a vision from God. In the Gospel of Luke, he brings two important messages. First, he tells Zechariah that his wife, Elizabeth, will have a son, John the Baptist. Later, Gabriel appears to Mary and tells her she will be the mother of Jesus. This is called the Annunciation.

St. Gabriel is the patron saint of messengers, communication workers, and those who work in radio and TV. People pray to him for help in sharing good news and speaking clearly. They also seek his aid when they need understanding or guidance. Gabriel’s role as God’s messenger makes him a special friend to anyone spreading God’s word.

Devotions to St. Gabriel include the “Chaplet of St. Gabriel,” a set of prayers asking for his guidance. Some people wear St. Gabriel medals or keep his image nearby to remind them of his role in bringing God’s messages. His image often shows him holding a lily, a symbol of purity, or a scroll, representing God’s message.

Catholics honor him as a messenger of hope. They pray for his help in sharing God’s love with others. Many find comfort in knowing Gabriel continues to bring messages of hope today.

St. Raphael is known as the healing angel. His name means “God heals.” His story is found in the Book of Tobit in the Old Testament. In this story, Raphael helps a young man named Tobias on a long journey. Raphael protects Tobias from danger and helps him find a good wife, Sarah. Raphael also shows Tobias how to heal his father Tobit’s blindness. At the end of the story, Raphael reveals his true identity as one of the seven angels who stand before God.

St. Raphael is the patron saint of travelers, the sick, and those seeking healing. He is also the patron of doctors, nurses, and caregivers. Many people pray to St. Raphael for healing, safe journeys, and guidance in making important decisions. His story reminds us that God sends help when we need it.

Devotions to St. Raphael include the “Chaplet of St. Raphael,” a series of prayers asking for his intercession. Some people wear St. Raphael medals for healing and protection. His image often shows him holding a staff, symbolizing his guidance, or a fish, which represents the healing he brought to Tobit.

See a healing prayer for the intercession of Saint Raphael.

Catholics remember his role as a healer and guide. They pray for his help in times of illness or need. Many trust in his care and ask for his healing touch in their lives.

The archangels have important roles in the Church. They help the faithful by protecting, guiding, and healing them. St. Michael fights against evil and keeps the Church safe. St. Gabriel brings messages of hope and guides people in sharing God’s word. St. Raphael offers healing and helps those in need. The archangels remind us that God cares for us through their actions.

Catholics believe that the archangels are always ready to help. People pray to them for strength, courage, understanding, and healing. Many feel the archangels are strong allies in spiritual battles. Their presence is a source of hope during times of fear or suffering.

The Church celebrates the archangels with a special feast day on September 29. This day honors St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael together. The feast is also known as the “Feast of the Archangels.” On this day, parishes often have special Masses and prayers. It is a time to thank the archangels for their help and ask for their protection.

The archangels’ feast day is a reminder of their roles as God’s messengers and warriors. It encourages Catholics to trust in their help. The Church teaches that we are not alone in our struggles. The archangels are always ready to assist us.

The archangels are more than just figures from the Bible. They show us how God reaches out to help us. St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael each have a different mission, but they all serve the same purpose: to protect, guide, and heal us. Their lives remind us that God never leaves us alone. He sends His angels to support us, just as He sent them to help people in Scripture.

St. Michael shows us how to be brave in the face of evil. Life can be hard, and we all face battles, whether spiritual, emotional, or physical. We can ask St. Michael to give us courage when we are afraid. He reminds us that God’s strength is always greater than evil. We can learn from St. Michael to be strong and trust in God’s power, especially when we feel weak.

St. Gabriel teaches us to be open to God’s messages. He brought God’s message to Mary and others in the Bible. We, too, need to listen for God’s voice. It could be through Scripture, prayer, or people around us. Sometimes God has special plans for us, even if we do not understand them right away. St. Gabriel helps us to say “yes” to God, just like Mary did.

St. Raphael is a reminder of God’s healing. He shows us that God cares about our suffering, whether it is sickness, sadness, or any kind of pain. St. Raphael teaches us to have hope when we feel broken or lost. We can pray to him for healing for ourselves or for others, knowing that God wants to bring wholeness to our lives.

Reflection Questions:

• Do I ask St. Michael for courage when facing challenges?
• How can I be more open to God’s messages, like St. Gabriel?
• Where in my life do I need healing, and have I prayed for St. Raphael’s help?