The Archangels: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael

Feast of the Archangels: September 29

    

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September 29  is the Feast of the Archangels.  Although there are seven archangels (Tobit 12:15, Rev. 8:2), only three are mentioned by name in the Catholic Bible: St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael.  Only one, St. Michael, is specifically called an archangel.
According to Catholic tradition, the archangels are an order of angels within a hierarchy of angelic hosts.  There are nine orders, or choirs, of angels.  As derived in part from St. Paul, these are (in ascending order):  1) Angels,  2) Archangels, 3) Virtues, 4) Powers, 5) Principalities, 6) Dominations, 7) Thrones, 8) Cherubim and 9) Seraphim. The nine choirs of angels are broken into three groups of three, but beyond this basic organization there is not much more in Sacred Tradition about the specific duties and distinctions of these mysterious creatures of God.

I.     1. Seraphim (highest)

        2. Cherubim

        3. Thrones

II.    4. Dominions

        5. Virtues

        6. Powers

III.  7. Principalities

        8.  Archangels

        9.  Angels (lowest)

According to this chart, it may be surprising that the archangels are one of the lowest choirs of angels.  Archangels are called such because their choir is above that of the “regular” angels, therefore they are referred to as the “prince” of the angels that rank beneath them.  Both angels and archangels have the most dealings with humans as recorded in the Catholic Bible.

Saint Michael

Michael means, “Who is like God?“.   Of the three angels mentioned by name in the Catholic Bible, St. Michael the Archangel is mentioned the most. He is found in the Old Testament in Daniel 10:13-21, 10:21, 12:1, and in the New Testament in Rev. 12:7-9 and Jude 1:9.  St. Michael is most known for doing battle against Lucifer (who was probably a seraph) and casting him and the demons out of heaven.

Saint Gabriel

Gabriel means “Power of God“.  Saint Gabriel the Archangel is mentioned the most after St. Michael.  He is found in the Old Testament in Daniel 8:15-26 and 9:21-27, and in the New Testament in Luke 1:11-38. St. Gabriel is most known for the Annunciation.  He is the angel who appeared to the Blessed Virgin Mary announcing the Incarnation of Jesus Christ in her womb.

Saint Raphael

Raphael means “God has healed“.  Saint Raphael the Archangel is only mentioned once in the Catholic Bible, in Tobit chapter 12.  He therefore is known based on this one reference for healing, protection, and intercession.

Learn more about these amazing creatures that God has appointed for our salvation by looking up each reference mentioned above in your Catholic Bible and read the accompanying stories.  Maybe then you will consider having a special devotion to one of these angelic saints. From the Responsorial Psalm in today’s Feast of the Archangels Mass reading:

R.  In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple
and give thanks to your name.