Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael

Archangels 29september 1

Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael’s Story


Angels—messengers from God—appear frequently in Scripture, but only Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are named.

Michael appears in Daniel’s vision as “the great prince” who defends Israel against its enemies; in the Book of Revelation, he leads God’s armies to final victory over the forces of evil. Devotion to Michael is the oldest angelic devotion, rising in the East in the fourth century. The Church in the West began to observe a feast honoring Michael and the angels in the fifth century.

Gabriel also makes an appearance in Daniel’s visions, announcing Michael’s role in God’s plan. His best known appearance is an encounter with a young Jewish girl named Mary, who consents to bear the Messiah.

Raphael’s activity is confined to the Old Testament story of Tobit. There he appears to guide Tobit’s son Tobiah through a series of fantastic adventures which lead to a threefold happy ending: Tobiah’s marriage to Sarah, the healing of Tobit’s blindness, and the restoration of the family fortune.

The memorials of Gabriel and Raphael were added to the Roman calendar in 1921. The 1970 revision of the calendar joined their individual feasts to Michael’s.

 

Categories: 

More News

Education Mass

October 31, 2024

Education Mass: Bishop Bosco will be celebrating Mass for all those involved in any way in Catholic education, at Clifton Cathedral, on Thursday 21...Read more

SPUC Meeting 18 September

October 29, 2024

SPUC held a successful Campaign Meeting recently where Katherine Hampton from Head Office gave a talk on the various Campaigns with accounts and statistics...Read more

Parish Christmas Card

October 25, 2024

The Parish Christmas Card (‘Youth’ card) will directly support the work we are doing for children, families and young people in our Parish. The...Read more

  •  
  • 1 of 287