The three archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are among the most important angelic figures in Christianity and are celebrated for their unique role in the divine plan. Mentioned in the Bible and venerated by the Catholic Church, these archangels are messengers and agents of God, carrying out specific missions involving protection, announcing divine plans and healing. Their feast day is celebrated together on 29 September during the Feast of the Archangels. This text explores in depth the role of each of these archangels, their spiritual significance, and their importance in the Christian faith.
Saint Michael the Archangel: the heavenly defender
Saint Michael the Archangel is the best known of the three archangels. His name means "Who is like God", a statement that underlines his role as champion of the divine cause against the forces of evil. He is often depicted in religious art as a warrior carrying a sword and shield, standing over a dragon or demon, symbolising the victory of good over evil.
a) The biblical role of Saint Michael
In the Bible, Saint Michael is mentioned mainly in three important passages. In the Book of Daniel (Daniel 10:13, 21 and 12:1), he is described as the defender of the people of Israel against the forces of evil. Then, in the Epistle of Jude (Jude 1:9), Michael is seen disputing the body of Moses against the devil, illustrating his role as protector of souls. Finally, in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 12:7-9), Michael leads the heavenly armies in battle against the dragon, representing Satan, and his fallen angels, casting them out of heaven. This passage from Revelation is central to understanding Saint Michael's role as leader of the heavenly armies and defender of the faith against evil.
b) Saint Michael and spiritual protection
Saint Michael is the protector par excellence against the forces of evil. In Christian tradition, he is invoked for his ability to repel demonic attacks and protect souls from temptation. The faithful recite the prayer of Saint Michael to obtain his protection in times of spiritual danger or difficulty. This prayer was particularly encouraged by Pope Leo XIII at the end of the 19th century, following a prophetic vision of the spiritual battle the Church was facing.
Michel is also the patron saint of soldiers, police officers and first responders, groups who turn to him for protection and strength. As leader of the heavenly armies, he symbolises divine justice and the triumph of light over darkness.
Saint Gabriel the Archangel: God's messenger
Saint Gabriel, whose name means "God is my strength", is known as God's great messenger. In the Scriptures, Gabriel is the one sent to announce the crucial events linked to the fulfilment of the plan of salvation. Unlike Michael, who is a warrior archangel, Gabriel is often depicted as a bearer of divine news, symbolising communication and revelation.
a) The biblical role of Saint Gabriel
Gabriel appears at several key moments in biblical history. His most famous role is at the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary in the Gospel according to Luke (Luke 1:26-38). It was Gabriel who revealed to Mary that she had been chosen by God to be the mother of the Saviour, Jesus Christ. This event marks a decisive turning point in salvation history, for it heralds the incarnation of the Son of God.
Before this, Gabriel also appears to Zechariah to announce the birth of John the Baptist, who will precede and prepare for the coming of the Messiah (Luke 1:11-20). These two announcements show Gabriel's unique role as a messenger of God's news, bringing hope and divine blessings.
In the Book of Daniel (Daniel 8:16, 9:21), Gabriel is sent to explain visions and prophecies to the prophet Daniel, bringing understanding of God's will.
b) Saint Gabriel and divine communication
Gabriel is often prayed to by those seeking to better understand God's will in their lives or who need to receive clarity in times of doubt. He is the patron saint of communicators, diplomats, postmen and the media. His role as the bearer of good news makes him an intercessor for all those who wish to have God's truth revealed in their lives.
As a heavenly messenger, Saint Gabriel reminds the faithful that God is always at work in the world and communicates his plans and purposes through heavenly or earthly messengers.
Saint Raphael the Archangel: the divine healer
Saint Raphael, whose name means "God heals", is the archangel of healing and travel. His role is particularly detailed in the Old Testament Book of Tobit, where he plays the role of guide, healer and protector.
a) The biblical role of Saint Raphael
Raphael is best known for his role in the Book of Tobit (Tobit 5-12), where he appears in human form to help Tobias on a difficult mission. During the journey, Raphael protects him from danger, cures his father Tobit's blindness, and helps cast out a demon that was afflicting Sarah, Tobit's future wife. At the end of the story, Raphael reveals his true identity and explains that he has been sent by God to carry out this mission of healing and protection.
Raphael is therefore an angel who acts directly for physical, emotional and spiritual healing. His role as guide is also emphasised, as he leads Tobias on his journey, offering protection and advice at every step.
b) Saint Raphael and spiritual and physical healing
Raphael is invoked by those seeking healing, whether for physical illness or spiritual wounds. As the patron saint of doctors, healers and the blind, he is considered a powerful intercessor for all kinds of healing. Raphael is also invoked to obtain protection on journeys, both physical and spiritual.
His mission in the Book of Tobit shows that he acts both as a divine physician and as a faithful companion for those going through times of difficulty or transition in their lives.
The role of the archangels in the Christian faith
The three archangels play a unique and complementary role in the Christian faith. Each reflects an aspect of the relationship between God and humanity: Michael embodies protection against evil, Gabriel announces divine plans, and Raphael heals and guides souls in distress. Together, they show how God uses his heavenly messengers to accomplish his will and to support the faithful on their spiritual journey.
a) The archangels as protectors and intercessors
In the Christian tradition, the archangels are seen as active protectors who intervene in the lives of believers. Saint Michael is invoked in prayers of protection against the forces of evil. He is the one who fights for the souls of the faithful, protecting them from temptation and negative influences. Gabriel, meanwhile, is the intercessor for those seeking spiritual guidance, while Raphael is prayed to for healing and inner peace.
b) Messengers of the divine will
Archangels are not just passive figures, but active agents of the divine will. Their role is to transmit God's messages and act in the world to carry out his purposes. Every believer can invoke these archangels for their help and intercession in times of need, with the assurance that they always act in accordance with God's will.
Conclusion
The three archangels, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, occupy a central place in the Christian faith. Each represents an aspect of the divine mission: protection, communication and healing. Together, they remind believers that God is present and active in their lives, sending his heavenly messengers to guide, protect and heal them. Their role and importance go far beyond mere spiritual figures; they are friends and allies in the quest for salvation, always ready to intervene on behalf of those who invoke them with faith and trust.
