The Feast of the Holy Archangels, celebrated on 29 September, is a day of great importance in the Catholic Church's liturgical calendar. This day honours three of God's most powerful servants: Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, and Saint Raphael. Each of these archangels occupies a unique place in Scripture and Christian tradition, playing essential roles in salvation history and in the spiritual life of believers.

Who are the archangels?

Archangels are powerful, luminous spiritual beings belonging to a special angelic hierarchy. Their name, from the Greek "arch" (meaning leader) and "angelos" (meaning messenger), refers to their special role as leaders among the angels and divine messengers sent on crucial missions in human history.

Although there are other archangels in Christian tradition and in apocryphal texts, the Church particularly honours Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, and Saint Raphael, as they are named in the Bible and play essential roles in salvation history.

Saint Michael: The Protector of Souls and Leader of the Heavenly Armies

Saint Michael is probably the most famous and revered archangel. His name means "Who is like God?" and he is often depicted in armour, holding a sword or spear, striking down the devil beneath his feet. In Christian tradition, Saint Michael is the leader of the heavenly armies and the defender of the faith.

His role is clearly mentioned in the Apocalypse of Saint John, where he is depicted as the one who leads the heavenly armies against the forces of evil:

"There was a battle in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought, but they were not the strongest, and there was no more room for them in heaven." (Revelation 12:7-8).

Saint Michael is also seen as the protector of souls as they pass into eternity. He is believed to intervene to help the souls of the departed enter the presence of God, fighting against the forces of evil that try to drag them into the abyss.

Many prayers are addressed to him for protection, including the famous prayer to Saint Michael written by Pope Leo XIII, in which the faithful ask Saint Michael to defend them against the snares of the devil.

Saint Gabriel: God's Messenger

Saint Gabriel, whose name means "Strength of God", is the archangel who appears at several key moments in the Bible to deliver divine messages. He is best known for his appearance to the Virgin Mary at the Annunciation, where he announces that she has been chosen to become the Mother of Jesus:

"The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. (Luke 1:26-27).

This fundamental event in the Christian faith makes Saint Gabriel a central figure in salvation history, because he is the one who carries the message of the incarnation of Jesus Christ. He is also present in the book of Daniel, where he explains the visions of this prophet.

Saint Gabriel is often invoked to obtain clarity and strength at times when we are seeking God's will in our lives. As a divine messenger, he is also seen as the angel who brings good news, hope, and encouragement in times of doubt or difficulty.

Saint Raphael: The Healing Angel

Saint Raphael, whose name means "God Heals", is the archangel of healing and travel. He is mainly mentioned in the Book of Tobit, where he accompanies young Tobit on a perilous journey and helps him cure his father, Tobit, of his blindness:

"I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand before the glory of the Lord and have access near him." (Tobit 12:15).

Saint Raphael is the protector of travellers and healer of the sick, and is often prayed to for healing, both physical and spiritual. He is also seen as a guide, accompanying the faithful on their earthly pilgrimage to the heavenly homeland.

The Feast of the Holy Archangels: A Call to Protection and Intercession

The Feast of the Holy Archangels is a day when believers are invited to remember the protective and intercessory role of angels in their daily lives. Although God is always at work in the world, the archangels are the instruments of his will, bringing his strength, message and healing to mankind.

On September 29, the Church not only celebrates these three archangels, but also invites the faithful to meditate on how they can call on their protection and help in their spiritual and material lives. Whether in battling temptations, making important decisions or in times of suffering, the archangels are powerful and benevolent guides.

Traditionally, special Masses and prayers are offered on this day to honour the archangels, and many of the faithful pray for their intercession in particular situations. The feast is a reminder of the constant interaction between the heavenly and earthly worlds, and encourages Christians to seek ever greater strength and support for their faith through the angels and archangels.

Archangels in the Daily Life of Believers

The Holy Archangels play a central role in the personal devotion of many Catholics. They are often invoked in specific prayers:

Saint Michael is prayed to for protection against the forces of evil and to defend the faith in times of doubt or temptation.

Saint Gabriel is prayed to for special graces in communicating, proclaiming the word of God and seeking the divine will in times of choice.

Saint Raphael is prayed to for healing from illness and protection on journeys, both physical and spiritual.

These archangels are also frequently depicted in Christian art in forms that illustrate their roles: Saint Michael in armour with a sword, Saint Gabriel with a trumpet or a lily, and Saint Raphael with a pilgrim's staff or a fish.

Conclusion

The feast of the Holy Archangels is a special time to remind the faithful that, in the daily struggle against the forces of evil and in moments of seeking healing or direction, the archangels are there to intervene and protect. They are God's faithful servants, ready to defend, heal and bring the message of good news to mankind.

By celebrating Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel and Saint Raphael on 29 September, believers are invited to strengthen their trust in divine protection and to become more open to the grace and spiritual guidance that these archangels bring. May this feast be for all a time of peace, reflection and spiritual renewal, under the benevolent protection of God's three great archangels.