The Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, the three Archangels is celebrated today, September 29th. They are also the only three angels who are mentioned by name in the Bible
Sr Molly Fernandes SFN
One often hears people attributing certain unexpected things happened in their life to angels who come in different forms and disappear. It is believed there are beings who manifest powers sent by the God in compassion working on one’s behalf to guide one’s thoughts and reach out in love. They are not physical and are not bound by the natural laws of this world. They are spiritual beings. These beings come in many forms and they have different purposes. But their common goal is to help guide us back into alignment with the love of the Universe.
At times, physically present in another form is also experienced many times in moments of dire need. They are known as angels. Angels are of different ranks, Archangels, Angels, and Guardian Angel. Nevertheless, Catholics are used to three archangels whose feast is celebrated on September 29.
First, Archangel Michael, is the warrior who fights against Satan and his emissaries (Jn 9, Ap 12, 7, cf. Zec 13: 1-2), the defender of those who love God (Dn. 10, 13.21), the protector of the people of God (Dn. 12, 1).
In the Old Testament, the prophet Daniel calls St Michael the protector prince of the Jews. He is the prince of the heavenly militia, warrior and protector not only of every believer, but of the whole Holy Church against earthly and infernal enemies. We see his struggle described in the book of Revelation: “Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven.” (Rev 12: 7-8). This victory against evil is a source of strength in one’s daily struggle against the forces of evil and also guides the soul at the decisive moment of death.
Second, Archangel Gabriel, is one of the spirits closest to God, before his heavenly throne (Lk 1, 19), the one who revealed to Daniel the secrets of God’s plan (Dn. 8, 16; 9, 21-22), announced to Zechariah the birth of John the Baptist (Lk 1, 11-20) and to Mary that of Jesus (Lk 1, 26-38).
Gabriel means “God is my strength”. His name is mentioned twice in Daniel’s prophecy. He is the messenger par excellence: it was he who announced the birth of John the Baptist and, even more importantly, made the greatest of all announcements: the coming birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary. It was he who listened to the “Fiat” of Mary, from which the divine Word became flesh. Having announced to Mary and the humble shepherds the great mystery of God becoming man, to this day the Archangel speaks to us of God’s desire to find in one’s lives and in one’s hearts a space to receive divine “announcements”.
Third, Archangel Raphael stands before the throne of God (Tb 12, 15, see Rev 8: 2), accompanied and protected Tobias in his perilous journey and healed his father from blindness and his future bride from the influence of evil.
Raphael, whose name means “God heals” or “God, Please Heal”. It appears in the Old Testament in the book of Tobit. There are innumerable wounds suffered by humanity, particularly the blindness that prevents man from seeing God, who in many ways wishes to reveal His faithful love to man.
Although each of these angels has different responsibilities but they share a common purpose, they act on behalf of God, helping His people and bringing Him glory.
It is believed, there are about 15 Archangels who can be called upon at any time for assistance. One finds these archangels also in other religions where people have recourse and call upon their help. One also finds some of the archangels mentioned in the bible and other books of the Church.
The Angels guide individuals, while Archangels protect all of mankind. The archangels can be in different places at the same time. They come to us with love, acceptance, and deep compassion. Their duties include facilitating life paths, protection, healing, bring God’s message and other responsibilities.
The are multiple names of the archangels depending on the religions. Such as:
Archangel Ariel -The Lioness of God; Archangel Azrael - The Benevolent Transformer of Mental and Emotional Anxieties, Archangel Chamuel - The Divine Benefactor of Unconditional Love, Archangel Gabriel - The Messenger of God, Archangel Haniel - The Divine Healer of Families and Relationships, Archangel Jeremiel - The Divine Deliverer of Mercy and Grace, Archangel Jophiel - The Great Giver of Joy, Archangel Metatron - The Great Instigator of Powerful Change, Archangel Michael - He Who is Like God, Archangel Raguel - The Divine Peacekeeper and Friend of God, Archangel Raphael - The Divine Healer of Physical Ailments, Archangel Raziel - The Divine Keeper of Mysteries, Archangel Sandalphon - The Divine Nurturer, Archangel Uriel - The Divine Pillar of Solitary Strength, Archangel Zadkiel - The Divine Guide of Life Paths and Sexuality.
These archangels are a sign of the presence of God, of his care, standing before God, close to Him, revealing His will and thoughts, because His message helps everyone on their journey to grow in holiness, as one reads in Exodus 23:20-21 “I am going to send an angel in front of you, to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared. Be attentive to him and listen to his voice”.
Through a reflection on the belief in these beings of light that accompany all people, Pope Francis explained that they are considered to be “a companion whom God put by one’s side on the path of one’s lives”, and he assured that one must listen to him and accept his advice in order to avoid pride. “Whoever thinks he can walk alone is very wrong.”
The angels are ever attentive to protect on one’s path through life, to awaken one’s conscience, and lead on the path to heaven, as St John Bosco said: “When tempted, invoke yone’s angel. He is more eager to help you than you are to be helped”.
So, let us be guided by these instruments of God in one’s lives because, as St John Paul II stated, “the angels are sent by Divine Providence to help us reach the holiness of life”.