The Archangels: Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael – God’s Messengers and Protectors

The Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are among the highest-ranking spiritual beings, created by God before the world began. They have no material body and are immortal, serving as God’s messengers and executors of divine tasks. Their roles and missions reflect their names, which signify the specific missions they have received from God. Let us explore each archangel’s identity, mission, and how they continue to influence the faithful today.

1.) St. Michael – Who is Like God

St. Michael the Archangel, whose name means “Who is like God,” is best known as the chief commander in the battle against Lucifer and his followers. Michael’s mission is to defend God’s sovereignty and protect humanity from evil. In the Book of Revelation, St. John writes about the celestial battle: “Then war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back, but they were defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven” (Revelation 12:7-8).

Michael’s role is also to guide souls at the hour of death and assist in their journey to heaven. As a protector against the snares of the devil, he is invoked for courage in spiritual warfare. His significant presence in Christian tradition led to his patronage of police officers, soldiers, and those who face significant dangers.

Michael’s feast day is celebrated on September 29, along with Sts. Gabriel and Raphael. The day is also known as the Feast of the Archangels or Michaelmas.

2.) St. Gabriel – Power of God

Gabriel, meaning “God is my strength” or “Power of God,” is known as the archangel of annunciation. Gabriel was entrusted with the mission of announcing the birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary. In the Gospel of Luke, the archangel appears to Mary to reveal God’s plan for the Incarnation: “The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus’” (Luke 1:30-31). When Mary questioned how this would be possible, Gabriel replied, “Nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37).

Gabriel is also believed to have delivered other important messages, including the announcement of John the Baptist’s birth to Zechariah (Luke 1:13). He is thus regarded as the patron of messengers, postal workers, and those who work in telecommunications.

3.) St. Raphael – Medicine of God

Raphael, whose name means “God heals” or “Medicine of God,” is the archangel associated with healing and guidance. His story is recounted in the Book of Tobit, where Raphael was sent to accompany young Tobias on his journey and protect him from dangers, including a demon. During the journey, Raphael healed Tobias’ father, Tobit, from blindness (Tobit 11:11-14). When Raphael finally revealed his true identity, he said, “I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand and serve before the glory of the Lord” (Tobit 12:15).

Raphael’s mission highlights God’s care for both physical and spiritual ailments. He is honored as the patron saint of travelers, the blind, those with health problems, and medical professionals.

The Feast of the Archangels: September 29

The Feast of the Archangels, celebrated on September 29, honors Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael together. This feast day is an opportunity for the faithful to reflect on the significant roles these archangels have played in salvation history and continue to play in the Church today. In earlier times, each archangel had a separate feast day—St. Michael’s was celebrated on September 29 (Michaelmas), St. Gabriel’s on March 24, and St. Raphael’s on October 24. However, in the liturgical reforms of 1969, these feast days were combined to honor all three archangels on the same day.

The Seven Archangels and Their Roles

According to the tradition of the Church, there are seven archangels who serve before God’s throne, as referenced in Tobit 12:15. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are the only ones named in canonical scripture. In some non-canonical texts, other archangels are mentioned, such as Uriel, but these are not part of the official teachings of the Church.

Archangels in Christian Devotion

The archangels are invoked in prayers and devotions for various purposes. St. Michael is often called upon for protection, especially in the “St. Michael Prayer,” composed by Pope Leo XIII to defend against the evil forces. St. Gabriel is invoked for strength in delivering God’s messages and trusting in His plans. St. Raphael is called upon for healing and safe journeys.

The faithful often turn to these archangels in times of difficulty, seeking their intercession for protection, guidance, and healing. Their unique roles as messengers, healers, and warriors serve as a reminder of God’s constant care and intervention in the world.

The Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are powerful messengers and protectors sent by God. They remind us of the invisible reality of spiritual warfare, divine healing, and the ever-present assistance that God provides through His heavenly hosts. On their feast day, we are invited to deepen our devotion to these great archangels, who continue to inspire and guide us in our spiritual journey.