The Feast of the Archangels, celebrated each year on 29 September, is an important spiritual occasion for many Christian communities around the world. It honours three main archangels of Christian tradition: Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel and Saint Raphael. These three celestial figures play essential roles in salvation history and are venerated for their protection, guidance and intercession with God. The festival is universal in scope, but is celebrated in different ways in different regions and cultural traditions. This text explores the various ways in which the Feast of the Archangels is experienced around the world, while highlighting the spiritual importance of this celebration.

Origins of the Feast of the Archangels

Originally, 29 September was dedicated exclusively to Saint Michael the Archangel. The feast of Saint Michael dates back to the 5th century, when the dedication of a basilica in his honour was established on the Via Salaria, near Rome. Over time, the feast was extended to include the other archangels, Saint Gabriel and Saint Raphael, to emphasise the importance of these heavenly messengers in salvation history.

The Second Vatican Council introduced this change into the liturgical calendar, making 29 September a common feast for all three archangels. Saint Michael is invoked as a defender against evil, Saint Gabriel as a divine messenger, and Saint Raphael as a healer and spiritual guide.

The Feast of the Archangels in Europe

Europe, being the cradle of Christianity, celebrates the Feast of the Archangels in a variety of ways, sometimes blending religious traditions with local customs.

a) In France: Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel, in Normandy, is one of the most emblematic places of devotion to Saint Michael in Europe. The shrine, which dates back to the 8th century, is a major pilgrimage site. Every year, on the Feast of the Archangels, large numbers of pilgrims go to Mont-Saint-Michel to pray and take part in the special masses celebrated in honour of Saint Michael. The processions and prayers recall the protective presence of this archangel and his role as defender of the faith.

In some regions of France, patronal feasts and special ceremonies are organised to honour the archangels. Public prayers are recited to ask for Saint Michael's protection, while novenas to Saint Raphael are prayed to ask for cures.

b) In Italy: The tradition of Saint Michael

Italy, home to the Vatican, also celebrates the Feast of the Archangels with particular fervour. Saint Michael is venerated in numerous sanctuaries across the country, most notably at the Sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo in Puglia. This sacred site is one of the oldest sanctuaries dedicated to Saint Michael, and is famous for being associated with several apparitions of the archangel. Every year, thousands of pilgrims travel to this shrine to attend the celebrations, which include processions, solemn masses and devotional prayers to the archangel.

In Italy, the Feast of the Archangels is also an opportunity for many local communities to renew their spiritual commitment through acts of faith and charity. Churches organise public prayers to ask for Saint Michael's protection against the forces of evil, as well as prayers to Saint Gabriel to obtain special graces linked to divine communication and understanding.

The Feast of the Archangels in Latin America

Latin America, with its strong Catholic heritage, places great importance on the celebration of the Feast of the Archangels, particularly to Saint Michael, who is often considered the protector of nations.

a) In Mexico: Devotion to San Miguel

In Mexico, the Feast of Saint Michael (San Miguel) is celebrated with deep devotion. Many churches and communities bear his name, and every year processions are organised to honour the archangel. Statues of Saint Michael are carried through the streets, accompanied by traditional songs, prayers and dances. The festivities often take on a community dimension, with festivals and meals shared with the family.

In addition, in certain rural areas of Mexico, popular belief attributes to San Miguel a protective role against the forces of nature and calamities. The faithful pray for his protection against natural disasters and storms, in addition to his role as a spiritual defender against evil.

b) In Brazil: The Feast of the Archangels in Brazilian culture

Brazil, a predominantly Catholic country, also celebrates the Feast of the Archangels, with much attention paid to Saint Michael and Saint Raphael. In many Brazilian churches, special masses and processions are held on 29 September to mark the importance of these archangels in the lives of the faithful. Saint Raphael is often invoked to obtain cures, and believers gather to pray in his memory, especially for those suffering from chronic or serious illnesses.

The Feast of the Archangels in Africa

In Africa, the Feast of the Archangels is celebrated with great fervour, particularly in countries where Christianity is well established. Catholic churches organise special ceremonies to honour the three archangels.

a) The veneration of Saint Michael in Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, which has a long Orthodox Christian tradition, Saint Michael is one of the most venerated religious figures. In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Saint Michael is seen as a powerful defender of the faith and protector of the nation. On 29 September, Ethiopian churches hold special liturgies and prayers of protection to ask for the archangel's intercession.

b) Celebrations in Nigeria

In Nigeria, the Feast of the Archangels is a highlight in many Catholic parishes. Solemn masses are celebrated, and specific prayers are recited to invoke Saint Michael's protection against the forces of evil. Nigeria, plagued by social and religious tensions, sees Saint Michael as a protector against violence and injustice. Believers hold prayer vigils to ask for divine intervention in times of trouble.

The Feast of the Archangels in the United States

In the United States, the Feast of the Archangels is celebrated by the Catholic community in churches across the country. Saint Michael is particularly venerated as the protector of police officers, military personnel and first responders. Many Masses are held on 29 September to pray for the safety of these groups, recognising their service as defenders of the common good.

In addition, American churches often hold novenas to Saint Michael and processions to honour the archangels. These events allow the faithful to come together as a community and strengthen their faith through acts of collective devotion.

The universal spiritual significance of the Feast of the Archangels

The Feast of the Archangels has a profound spiritual significance for believers around the world. It reminds us that the archangels are celestial beings who act as protectors, messengers and healers. Their role in God's plan of salvation emphasises the importance of the spiritual struggle against evil, communicating the divine will, and healing physical and spiritual wounds.

Saint Michael is invoked as a defender against demonic forces and spiritual dangers.

Saint Gabriel is the one who announces great divine events and is prayed to for spiritual clarity.

Saint Raphael is the guide of travellers and the healer, invoked for his protection and gifts of healing.

This festival is an opportunity for believers to renew their spiritual commitment, strengthen their faith and seek the protection of the archangels in their daily lives.

Conclusion

The Feast of the Archangels is celebrated with a great diversity of practices around the world, but it always carries the same central message: that of the divine presence through its celestial messengers. Whether through processions, solemn masses, prayers or acts of personal devotion, this festival reminds believers of the importance of the archangels in spiritual warfare, divine communication and healing. Through the veneration of Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, and Saint Raphael, the faithful are encouraged to turn to these powerful intercessors for strength, guidance, and inner peace.