Today the Church celebrates the Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels. These are the only three angels named in canonical Scripture, and each reveals a distinct aspect of how God sends messengers to accomplish His will. Their feast falls during Ordinary Time, giving us a day to contemplate the unseen assistance we receive from the angelic hosts.
Who the three archangels are
The word “archangel” means chief messenger. Michael appears in Daniel, Jude, and Revelation as the captain of the heavenly armies. His name means “Who is like God?” and tradition holds he led the loyal angels against Satan’s rebellion. Gabriel appears in Daniel and Luke as the bearer of the most important announcements in salvation history. Raphael appears only in the Book of Tobit as a companion and healer. All three are pure spirits who stand in God’s presence and serve as His agents in the world.
The Church venerates these three together because they are the only angels Scripture names and identifies as having specific missions. Countless other angels exist, but we do not know their names or invoke them individually. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are given to us by name so we can call on them with confidence.
What they’re known for
Michael is depicted with a sword and scales because he is both warrior and judge. He casts Satan from heaven in Revelation 12, and tradition holds he weighs souls at death. Catholics invoke St. Michael for protection against evil, especially spiritual evil. The prayer “St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle” was composed by Pope Leo XIII after a vision of demonic assault on the Church.
Gabriel carries a lily because he announced the Incarnation to Mary. He appears four times in Scripture, always delivering news that changes everything: to Daniel about the seventy weeks, to Zechariah about John the Baptist’s birth, and to Mary at the Annunciation. He is patron of messengers, broadcasters, and anyone who carries important news.
Raphael holds a fish and a traveler’s staff because he guided Tobias on a dangerous journey and used a fish’s organs to heal Tobias’s father of blindness. His name means “God heals.” He reveals himself in Tobit 12:15 as “one of the seven angels who stand ready and enter before the glory of the Lord.” He is invoked for healing, safe travel, and happy meetings.
For today
Pray the St. Michael prayer once today, slowly. If you don’t know it, learn the short form: “St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.” Ask St. Gabriel to help you speak one true word today. Ask St. Raphael to heal one relationship that needs mending.
Carry their names as protection.
