Feast of the Archangels: St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael
Feast Day: September 29
Three archangels appear by name in Sacred Scripture.
One fights.
One announces.
One heals.
St. Michael appears as a warrior against evil.
St. Gabriel brings the message that changes human history: Mary will become the mother of Jesus.
And St. Raphael guides and heals in the Book of Tobit.
They do not draw attention to themselves.
They serve God.
That is what makes the feast of the archangels so powerful.
The angels are glorious creatures, but their greatness comes from obedience.
They do what God sends them to do.
They protect.
They announce.
They guide.
They heal.
And all of it points back to God.
On September 29, the Church honors St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael, reminding us that God is not distant from His creation. He sends His angels to carry out His will and assist His people.
St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael, pray for us.
Who Are the Archangels?
The word archangel refers to a high-ranking angelic messenger.
In Catholic tradition, three archangels are named in Scripture:
- St. Michael
- St. Gabriel
- St. Raphael
Each appears in a distinct role.
Michael is associated with spiritual warfare and protection.
Gabriel is associated with divine messages, especially the Annunciation.
Raphael is associated with healing and guidance.
St. Michael the Archangel
St. Michael appears in both the Old and New Testaments.
In the Book of Daniel, he is described as a great prince who defends God's people.
In the Book of Revelation, Michael leads the heavenly armies against the dragon:
“Then war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon.”
Michael's name means:
“Who is like God?”
The name itself is a challenge to pride and rebellion.
No one is like God.
Michael is therefore especially associated with resistance to Satan and the powers of evil.
Catholics have long invoked St. Michael for protection in spiritual battle.
St. Gabriel the Archangel
St. Gabriel is the great messenger of the Incarnation.
In the Gospel of Luke, Gabriel appears first to Zechariah to announce the birth of St. John the Baptist.
Then he is sent to Nazareth.
There he speaks to a young woman named Mary.
His message begins:
“Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you.”
Gabriel announces that Mary will conceive and bear a Son.
His name will be Jesus.
He will be called the Son of the Most High.
The angel's message places Mary before one of the greatest decisions in salvation history.
She answers:
“May it be done to me according to your word.”
Gabriel's mission is therefore closely tied to the mystery of the Incarnation.
St. Raphael the Archangel
St. Raphael appears in the Book of Tobit.
He travels in disguise with Tobias, guiding and protecting him on a dangerous journey.
Raphael helps Tobias find a wife, protects him from spiritual danger, and gives him instructions that eventually lead to the healing of Tobias's father, Tobit.
Near the end of the story, Raphael reveals his identity.
His name means:
“God heals.”
Raphael is therefore traditionally associated with healing, travelers, and guidance.
His story reminds us that God's help may be present even when we do not recognize it immediately.
What Do Angels Do?
Angels are spiritual creatures created by God.
They are not gods.
They are not dead human beings who became angels.
They are a distinct order of creation.
The word angel itself means “messenger.”
Scripture shows angels worshiping God, carrying messages, protecting people, guiding God's servants, and carrying out divine judgments.
Their purpose is never to replace God.
They serve Him.
Why Does the Church Honor the Archangels?
The Church honors the archangels because Scripture itself shows them serving important roles in salvation history.
Catholics do not worship angels.
Worship belongs to God alone.
We honor the angels because they are faithful servants of God and because their missions reveal something about how God cares for His people.
Michael reminds us that evil must be resisted.
Gabriel reminds us to listen for God's word.
Raphael reminds us that God heals and guides.
What the Archangels Teach Us
The archangels teach us three simple lessons.
From Michael, we learn courage.
We should resist evil and remain faithful to God.
From Gabriel, we learn obedience.
God's message deserves a response.
From Raphael, we learn trust.
God may be guiding and healing us even when we cannot yet see how.
All three archangels point away from themselves and toward God.
That is the pattern of every true servant of God.
When Is the Feast of the Archangels?
The Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels, on September 29.
The feast unites the three named archangels in one celebration.
It reminds Christians that the spiritual world is real and that God's providence extends beyond what we can see.
Prayer to the Archangels
St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in spiritual battle and help us remain faithful to God.
St. Gabriel the Archangel,
help us listen for God's word and respond with courage.
St. Raphael the Archangel,
guide us in our journeys and pray for healing for those who suffer.
Holy archangels of God,
help us to serve the Lord with the same obedience, courage, and faithfulness that you show in Sacred Scripture.
St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael, pray for us. Amen.
