Feast Day of Sts Michael, Gabriel & Raphael - 29 September
29th September 2024
"Make yourself familiar with the Angels, and behold them frequently in spirit. Without being seen, they are present with you." - St Francis de Sales
On today’s feast, the Catholic church honours three great angels - Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael - for the role they play in salvation history.
In Hebrew, the name Michael means, “Who is like unto God?” Traditionally, Michael is understood to be the prince of the heavenly host of angels, and is invoked by Christians in spiritual fights against temptation and the devil. Michael is also the patron of soldiers, paramedics, and police officers.
The archangel Gabriel’s name means, “God is my strength." Gabriel is the patron of those who deliver messages for a living, such as diplomats, broadcasters, postal workers, communications and public relations professionals.
The archangel Raphael’s name means, “God has healed." Raphael is the patron of travelers, of the sick, and of medical personnel. Raphael has also been invoked to protect young people, especially those leaving home for the first time.
Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels of God, pray for us!
We also particularly remember and pray for all men and women who serve as police officers and those who have died in the line of duty on this the National Police Remembrance Day.
Prayer
Heavenly King, You have given us archangels to assist us during our pilgrimage on earth. Saint Michael is our protector; I ask him to come to my aid, fight for all my loved ones, and protect us from danger. Saint Gabriel is a messenger of the Good News; I ask him to help me clearly hear Your voice and to teach me the truth. Saint Raphael is the healing angel; I ask him to take my need for healing and that of everyone I know, lift it up to Your throne of grace and deliver us back to the gift of recovery. Help us, O Lord, to realise more fully the reality of archangels and their desire to serve us. Holy angels, pray for us. Amen. 🙏💐💖