Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are Archangels, revered for their distinct roles as God's messengers and instruments of divine intervention and protection.
Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are three of the most prominent Archangels, each with unique and significant roles in biblical narratives and Christian tradition. Saint Michael, whose name means "Who is like God?", is known as the leader of the heavenly hosts, famously defeating Satan and his rebellious angels, and is revered as a protector against evil and a patron of soldiers and the sick. Saint Gabriel, whose name means "God is my strength," is the divine messenger who announced the births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ to Mary, symbolizing God's communication with humanity. Saint Raphael, whose name means "God heals," is known from the Book of Tobit as the healer and guide who accompanied Tobias on his journey, restoring sight to Tobit and binding the demon Asmodeus, thus signifying divine healing and companionship. Together, their feast day celebrates their essential service to God and their intercessory roles for humanity.
The venerable figures of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael stand as pillars of the heavenly host, revered in Christian tradition as powerful archangels, each entrusted with unique and vital missions from God. Though they are incorporeal spirits, their actions and interventions, as recorded in sacred scripture and solidified in Church tradition, profoundly impact humanity's journey towards salvation. Their collective feast day on September 29th offers the faithful an opportunity to honor these mighty celestial beings and to seek their powerful intercession, reminding us of the constant, unseen spiritual warfare and divine solicitude that surrounds us. They serve as enduring symbols of divine strength, communication, and healing, reflecting different facets of God's benevolent interaction with creation.
Saint Michael, whose name, 'Mi-cha-el,' translates to 'Who is like God?', is undeniably the most prominent of the archangels, celebrated as the leader of the heavenly armies and the ultimate champion against the forces of evil. His most famous act, recounted in the Book of Revelation, describes his decisive victory over Satan and his rebellious angels, casting them out of heaven: "Then war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, but they did not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. The huge dragon, the ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, who deceived the whole world, was thrown down to earth, and its angels were thrown down with it" (Revelation 12:7-9). This epic cosmic battle establishes Michael as the supreme defender of God's glory and His people. Throughout the Old Testament, he appears as a protector of Israel (Daniel 10:13, 12:1), and in Christian tradition, he is invoked as a powerful intercessor against spiritual attacks, a patron of soldiers, police officers, and the sick, and even as the one who escorts the souls of the faithful to judgment. His unwavering loyalty and formidable strength inspire trust and courage in the face of adversity.
Saint Gabriel, whose name, 'Gab-ri-el,' means 'God is my strength,' is primarily known as the divine messenger, chosen by God to deliver messages of paramount importance. His appearances in scripture mark pivotal moments in salvation history. In the Old Testament, Gabriel is sent to the prophet Daniel to interpret visions concerning the coming of the Messiah and the end times, revealing profound mysteries of God's plan (Daniel 8:16, 9:21-27). However, his most celebrated role is recorded in the Gospel of Luke. He first appeared to Zechariah, announcing the miraculous birth of John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for the Lord (Luke 1:11-20). Six months later, Gabriel was sent to Nazareth to the Virgin Mary, delivering the joyous and awe-inspiring news that she would conceive and bear the Son of God, Jesus Christ (Luke 1:26-38). This event, known as the Annunciation, highlights Gabriel's unique privilege as the bearer of the Good News, making him a symbol of divine communication and the bringer of hope. He is often invoked by those who work in communications, as well as postal workers.
Saint Raphael, whose name, 'Ra-pha-el,' translates to 'God heals' or 'God has healed,' is primarily known through the deuterocanonical Book of Tobit, a narrative cherished for its themes of faith, divine providence, and healing. In this inspiring story, Raphael disguises himself as a human traveler named Azariah and accompanies the young Tobias on a perilous journey. Throughout their travels, Raphael acts as a guide, protector, and healer. He instructs Tobias on how to prepare a fish's gall to cure his blind father, Tobit, and how to cast out the demon Asmodeus, who had plagued Tobias's future wife, Sarah (Tobit 6:1-8, 8:1-3, 11:7-15). Raphael's compassionate assistance underscores his role as a benevolent companion and a source of divine restoration, both physical and spiritual. His revelation at the end of the book, "I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand ever ready to enter the presence of the glory of the Lord" (Tobit 12:15), confirms his celestial identity and his dedicated service to God's healing power. He is widely regarded as the patron of travelers, the blind, healers, and those seeking happy meetings and guidance.
Together, these three Archangels exemplify the active and loving presence of God in the world. They are not distant, passive figures, but dynamic agents of divine will, intervening in human affairs for our protection, instruction, and healing. Saint Michael reminds us of the constant spiritual battle and the need for courage and reliance on God's power. Saint Gabriel underscores the importance of divine revelation and the transformative power of God's word. Saint Raphael illustrates God's compassionate care, His desire to heal our infirmities, and His guidance through life's trials. Their distinct yet complementary roles reveal the multifaceted ways in which God ministers to humanity through His heavenly servants.
The veneration of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael is deeply embedded in the Catholic tradition, with churches and shrines dedicated to them worldwide. Their feast day on September 29th, originally dedicated to Saint Michael, was expanded to include Gabriel and Raphael in the 1969 revision of the Roman Calendar, recognizing their shared importance in salvation history. The Church encourages the faithful to invoke their intercession, especially in times of spiritual warfare, when seeking divine guidance, or when in need of healing and protection. Through their powerful intercession, the Archangels continue their ministry of assisting mankind in its pilgrimage towards God, serving as a testament to the profound spiritual realities that transcend our earthly existence and connect us to the divine realm.
In the wild, rugged lands of Southern Italy, high upon the towering slopes of Monte Gargano, a remarkable series of events unfolded in the late 5th century, revealing the powerful intercession of the Archangel Michael. The year was approximately 490 A.D., and the region was still steeped in a mix of ancient traditions and burgeoning Christian faith. It was here that a wealthy shepherd, tending his vast herds, faced a perplexing problem: one of his prize bulls had wandered off and could not be found.
After a long search, the shepherd and his servants finally discovered the bull. To their astonishment, it was not grazing in a pasture but kneeling at the mouth of a deep, dark cave, seemingly unable or unwilling to move. Annoyed by its stubbornness, the shepherd, a skilled archer, took aim with his bow and fired an arrow at the animal to try and dislodge it. But in a truly miraculous turn, the arrow, instead of striking the bull, inexplicably reversed its flight mid-air and struck the shepherd himself, wounding him. Fear and awe gripped those present, for they knew this was no ordinary occurrence; a divine hand had intervened.
News of this inexplicable event quickly reached the local bishop, Saint Lawrence of Siponto. Recognizing the profound spiritual significance, the bishop, along with his clergy and the faithful, embarked on a three-day fast and prayer, seeking divine understanding. At the end of this period of supplication, the Archangel Michael appeared to Bishop Lawrence in a vision. He declared, âKnow that the arrow shot by the shepherd was turned back by my will. I am Michael, the Archangel, and I wish to dwell in this place, guarding it and those who venerate me here. This spot is sacred to me.â
Yet, despite this clear message, the bishop hesitated to enter the cave, perhaps out of reverence or fear. Some time later, the town of Siponto was under siege by pagan invaders. Desperate, Bishop Lawrence again sought divine aid. The Archangel Michael appeared once more, promising victory if the Christians attacked at dawn. Emboldened by this heavenly assurance, the people of Siponto launched their assault, and a terrible earthquake and hailstorm, accompanied by lightning, struck their enemies, driving them into a panicked retreat. The victory was swift and decisive, clearly a result of angelic intervention.
Following this miraculous deliverance, Bishop Lawrence and the people were finally convinced of the cave's sanctity and the Archangelâs potent presence. Still, they were unsure how to consecrate such a sacred place. Once more, Saint Michael appeared to the bishop, stating, âIt is not for you to consecrate this basilica. I, who created it, have consecrated it myself.â He then instructed them to enter the cave and use it for worship. Upon entering, they found a natural altar, adorned with a red pallium, and a footprint in the stone, believed to be that of Saint Michael himself.
From that day forward, the cave of Monte Gargano became one of the most important shrines dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel in the Western world, a place of pilgrimage and miracles. This legend vividly illustrates Michael's character as a formidable protector, a divine warrior against evil, and a direct instrument of God's will, ready to intervene powerfully for those who seek his aid and honor the Lord. It reveals his active role in guarding sacred spaces and delivering God's people from peril, cementing his importance in the Christian tradition as a heavenly champion.
1992
The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls angels is a truth of faith. The witness of Scripture is as clear as the unanimity of Tradition.
St. Augustine says: "'Angel' is the name of their office, not of their nature. If you seek the name of their nature, it is 'spirit'; if you seek the name of their office, it is 'angel': from what they are, 'spirit', from what they do, 'angel.'" With their whole beings the angels are servants and messengers of God. Because they "always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven," they are the "mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word."
As purely spiritual creatures angels have intelligence and will: they are personal and immortal creatures, surpassing in perfection all visible creatures, as the splendor of their glory bears witness.
Christ is the center of the angelic world. They are His angels: "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him." They belong to Him because they were created through Him and for Him: "for in him all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities - all things were created through him and for him." They are His angels because He makes them messengers of his saving plan: "Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?"
Angels have been present since creation and throughout the history of salvation, announcing this salvation from afar or near and serving the accomplishment of this divine plan: they close the earthly paradise; they protect Lot; they save Hagar and her child; they stay Abraham's hand; they open the Red Sea; they lead the People into the desert; they make the Law known; they lead God's people; they announce births and callings; and they assist the prophets, just to cite some examples. Finally, the angel Gabriel announces the birth of the Precursor and that of Jesus himself.
From the Incarnation to the Ascension, the life of the Word Incarnate is surrounded by the adoration and service of angels. When God "brings the first-born into the world, he says: 'Let all God's angels worship him.'" Their song of praise at the birth of Christ has not ceased resounding in the Church's liturgy: "Glory to God in the highest!" They protect Jesus in his infancy, serve him in the desert, strengthen him in his agony in the garden, when he could have been saved by them from the hands of his enemies as Israel had been. Again, it is angels who "evangelize" by proclaiming the Good News of Christ's Incarnation and Resurrection. They will be present at Christ's return, which they will announce, to serve at his judgment.
In the meantime, the whole life of the Church benefits from the mysterious and powerful help of angels.
In her liturgy, the Church joins with the angels to adore the thrice-holy God. She invokes their assistance (in the Roman Canon's Supplices te rogamus. . . ["We ask you humbly to accept our prayers..."] or the Litany of the Saints, and in every hour, by the prayer to the guardian angels). The Church also dedicates special feasts to certain angels (St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael, and the Guardian Angels).
From its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession. "Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life." Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God.
The consumption of a roasted goose, known as 'Michaelmas Goose', is a traditional meal.
This tradition marks the end of the harvest season and was historically believed to bring good luck for the coming year, often coinciding with rent payment on Michaelmas Day.
The baking and sharing of 'Struan Micheil' or 'Michaelmas Bannock', a special round bread, is a custom.
This communal baking tradition is a part of harvest festival celebrations, symbolizing the bounty of the agricultural year's end.
Pilgrimages are made to the Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo.
This site is revered as the location of historical apparitions of Saint Michael the Archangel.
Pilgrimages are undertaken to the Benedictine abbey of Mont Saint-Michel.
This iconic abbey is a significant historical and spiritual site dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel.
The 'Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel' is widely recited for protection.
This prayer invokes Saint Michael's role as the chief defender against evil and Satan, seeking his powerful intercession.
Intercession is sought for safe journeys and healing of the sick.
This practice is associated with Saint Raphael's patronage as the patron of travelers and healers, as depicted in the Book of Tobit.
A roasted goose, traditionally consumed on the feast day.
Historically, geese were readily available after summer grazing and before winter. Eating goose on Michaelmas Day was believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year, and it marked the end of the harvest season.
A traditional round, unleavened bread, often made with various grains from the autumn harvest, sometimes incorporating fruit or seeds.
This is a traditional harvest bread, baked to celebrate the end of the harvest season and consumed on Michaelmas Day, symbolizing the bounty of the earth.
Fresh blackberries.
A popular superstition dictates that the devil, having been cast out of heaven by St. Michael, landed in a blackberry bush on Michaelmas Day (or around that time) and cursed the berries, making them unfit to eat after this date. Therefore, people traditionally stop picking and eating blackberries after Michaelmas.