The Feast of the Archangels, celebrated on 29 September, is an important day in the Christian liturgical calendar, particularly in the Catholic Church. This feast is dedicated to the three archangels named in the Bible: Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel and Saint Raphael. Each of these archangels plays a crucial role in the divine plan of salvation, and their feast day invites the faithful to meditate on their presence, their mission, and how they act as heavenly messengers and protectors in the lives of believers.
Origin and history of the feast
September 29 was originally the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel. It is commonly known as "Michaelmas" in some traditions, and was celebrated as early as the 5th century in honour of this archangel, who plays an essential role in the fight against the forces of evil. Over time, this festival evolved to include the other two archangels, Saint Gabriel and Saint Raphael, and became a celebration of angelic action in the world.
The Bible speaks of the existence of myriads of angels, spiritual beings created by God to serve as messengers and protectors of human souls. Although many of the angels are anonymous in the Scriptures, three archangels stand out for their specific missions entrusted to them by God: Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. It is these three archangels who are honoured together on this feast day, their role and power being at the heart of the Christian faith.
The three archangels and their significance
Each of the archangels has a specific mission, a precise function in the relationship between God and mankind, whether defending heaven, carrying divine messages or bringing healing.
1. Saint Michael the Archangel: the protector and leader of the heavenly armies
Saint Michael, whose name means "Who is like God", is the most famous of the archangels and often depicted as the leader of the heavenly armies. He is mentioned in the Book of Revelation as the great fighter against the devil and his rebellious angels (Revelation 12:7-9). Saint Michael is seen as the defender of the Church, the protector of the souls of the righteous, and the one who fights the forces of evil.
One of the most powerful aspects of the figure of Saint Michael is his role in the fight against evil. He is often invoked to protect against temptation, to overcome fears, and to obtain inner strength in the spiritual battles that the faithful face on a daily basis. His presence is a reminder that believers are never alone in their spiritual battles, but that they are assisted by heavenly forces ready to intervene on their behalf.
Saint Michael is also a symbol of divine justice and authority. He is depicted with a sword, often slaying a dragon, symbolising God's victory over the devil. The prayer to Saint Michael, written by Pope Leo XIII, is still often recited by Catholics to ask for his protection against the forces of darkness.
2. Saint Gabriel the Archangel: God's messenger
Saint Gabriel, whose name means "God is my strength", is the most important divine messenger. He was entrusted with the mission of announcing to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and bear in her womb Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Luke 1:26-38). Before this, Gabriel had also announced to Zacharias the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:11-20).
Saint Gabriel symbolises communication between God and humanity. Through his appearances in the Bible, he carries messages of great importance for the salvation of humanity. Through his example, believers are invited to be receptive to the word of God and to respond with faith and humility, as the Virgin Mary did at the Annunciation.
Gabriel is also the patron saint of communicators, diplomats, postmen and all those whose jobs require them to pass on information. His role as a heavenly messenger reminds us that God is always communicating with his people and that, in times of doubt or confusion, he sends signs, words or intuitions to guide the faithful on their path.
3. Saint Raphael the Archangel: the healer and guide of travellers
Saint Raphael, whose name means "God heals", is the archangel of healing. He is best known from the Book of Tobit (Old Testament), where he accompanies young Tobias on his journey, protecting him from danger and curing the blindness of his father, Tobit. This role makes Saint Raphael a guide and healer, both in the physical and spiritual realms.
He is often invoked to ask for healing, whether for illnesses of the body or the soul. Believers pray to Saint Raphael for health, for guidance in times of travel or uncertainty, and to receive the light needed to discern the ways of the Lord.
Raphael is also the protector of travellers and pilgrims. In a world where physical and spiritual journeys are frequent, his role as heavenly guide is essential to help believers stay on the path of truth and life. He is often depicted with a pilgrim's staff or holding a fish, symbolising healing and providential help.
The spiritual significance of the Feast of the Archangels
The Feast of the Archangels goes beyond the simple commemoration of these three celestial figures. It has a profound spiritual significance, as it reminds us of the crucial role of the angels in the economy of salvation and in the daily lives of believers.
1. The archangels, divine messengers and protectors
The archangels are above all divine messengers and protectors. Their feast day reminds believers that they are never alone on their spiritual journey. At every moment of life, angels are present, invisible but active, guiding, protecting and transmitting God's will.
This feast is an invitation to recognise the presence of angels in everyday life, to entrust our prayers to them and to ask for their help, particularly in times of trial, confusion or temptation. Archangels often intervene in times of crisis to bring light, clarity and protection.
2. Fighting evil and strengthening faith
The Feast of the Archangels, particularly with Saint Michael, reminds us that the Christian life is a constant spiritual battle. Every believer must face temptations, their own weaknesses, and negative influences. Saint Michael, as the leader of the heavenly hosts, is the one who, through his intercession, helps to repel these forces and strengthen faith.
Believers are thus invited to turn to Saint Michael for strength and courage in difficult times, while recognising that the ultimate battle has already been won by Christ.
3. Healing and spiritual guidance
St Raphael, as a healer, reminds us that God is always ready to heal and restore what is broken in our lives. Whether it's a physical illness or a spiritual wound, healing is always possible through prayer and the intercession of the saints. The feast of the archangels is thus an opportunity to ask for healing graces and to remember that God is close to those who suffer.
Similarly, Saint Raphael, the guide of travellers, symbolises the spiritual guidance that God offers his faithful. By invoking the archangels, believers can ask for the clarity and light they need to move forward on their path of faith, to make the right decisions and to avoid going astray.
How to celebrate the Feast of the Archangels
The Feast of the Archangels can be celebrated in a variety of ways, whether through prayer, meditation, or even actions of gratitude towards these celestial beings. Here are some suggestions for marking this special day:
Prayer to the Archangels: Reciting specific prayers to Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, and Saint Raphael is a common way to celebrate this feast. The prayer to Saint Michael is particularly powerful for asking for protection from evil.
Meditation on the roles of the archangels:
Take a moment to reflect on how the archangels are present in your life and how you can invoke them to receive guidance, protection and healing.
Participate in Mass:
Many parishes celebrate a special Mass in honour of the archangels on 29 September. Participating in this Mass is a way of joining the community of believers in honouring the archangels.
Conclusion
The Feast of the Archangels is a profound spiritual celebration that honours the celestial protectors and messengers, Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, and Saint Raphael. It reminds believers of the power of divine intercession through these celestial beings and their vital role in the plan of salvation. It is also an opportunity to meditate on how the archangels can guide and protect the faithful in their daily lives.
Through this feast, believers are invited to renew their devotion to the archangels, to seek their help in times of trial, and to remember that they are never alone on their spiritual journey. The archangels, as defenders, messengers and healers, are there to support them at every stage of their lives, reflecting God's mercy and love.
