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As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
St. Michael: Patron Saint of police officers, soldiers, security personnel, mariners, and paratroopers
St. Gabriel: Patron Saint of messengers, postal workers, telecommunication workers, and broadcasters
St. Raphael: Patron Saint of travelers, the blind, the sick, doctors, nurses, medical workers, engaged couples, and marriages
The Church honors Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael together because they are the three archangels whose names are revealed in Sacred Scripture. Although each fulfills a distinct mission, together they reflect God’s Providence, protection, and saving love for His people.
St. Michael appears in the Books of Daniel, Jude, and Revelation as defender of God’s people and leader of the heavenly armies. His name means “Who is like God?” and serves as a powerful reminder that no one can rival the Lord’s majesty. Christian tradition has long invoked Michael’s protection against evil and temptation, especially through the Prayer to St. Michael composed by Pope Leo XIII.
Gabriel is God’s messenger of joyful news. The Gospel of Luke records Gabriel’s announcement to the priest Zechariah that his barren wife, Elizabeth, would miraculously give birth to John the Baptist. Later, Gabriel appeared to the Blessed Virgin Mary, announcing she had been chosen to become the Mother of the Savior. Gently describing what Mary recognized as the birth of the promised Messiah and answering her questions, Gabriel obtained Mary’s “yes” and initiated God’s plan of redemption for humanity.
Raphael, whose name means “God heals,” is found in the Book of Tobit. Sent by God to the faithful family of Tobias, the archangel appeared in human form and accompanied the young Tobias on a difficult journey. Raphael protected him from danger, guided him with wisdom, helped him find a faithful wife, and restored sight to Tobias’s blind father. This story beautifully illustrates God’s healing care and faithful guidance for His people.
Although invisible to our eyes, the angels remain active in God’s plan of salvation. As God’s servants and messengers, they continually praise Him in Heaven and minister to His children, providing His protection and loving care.
The word archangel means “chief messenger.” Archangels belong to an order, or “choir,” of angels who interact with humanity. While Scripture speaks of many angels serving God, it identifies only three by name: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. The Church recognizes these three as archangels because of the unique missions God entrusted to them in salvation history. Michael defends God’s people, Gabriel announces God’s saving plan, and Raphael guides and heals. The Church encourages devotion only to the angels whose names are revealed in Scripture, avoiding speculation about the names or roles of other angels.
For centuries, Michael, who is called the Prince of the Heavenly Host, was honored with a feast marking the dedication of a basilica built in his honor on the Via Salaria outside Rome. After the liturgical reforms made by the Second Vatican Council, the Church combined the celebrations of Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael into a single feast on September 29. This unified celebration highlights the complementary roles each archangel plays in God’s plan of salvation while reminding the faithful of the ministry of all the holy angels.
Artists have traditionally portrayed each archangel with symbols reflecting his mission. St. Michael is usually shown wearing armor and holding a sword or spear while defeating Satan, symbolizing victory over evil. St. Gabriel often carries a lily, representing purity, or a scroll bearing God’s message to Mary at the Annunciation. Sometimes he is shown with a trumpet, signifying he may be the angel whose trumpet blast will announce Christ’s second coming. St. Raphael is commonly depicted as a traveler carrying a staff and a fish, which provided the elements used for healing during his journey with Tobias in the Book of Tobit. These symbols help Christians remember the unique role each archangel plays in Sacred Scripture.
The Blessed Virgin Mary bore extreme pains throughout her life. And as the mother of the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53), she witnessed her Son’s Passion and Death on the Cross. This is why, as we face our own pains and temptations, we should turn to Our Lady of Sorrows and meditate on her Seven Dolors, or Sorrows.
This free eBook will encourage you to meditate on these Sorrows that pierced Mary’s Immaculate Heart. Use the form below to tell us where to send your free eBook, The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Fr. Chris and Fr. Matthew Tomeny explain the Feast of the Archangels and discuss the role of the Archangels in our life of faith.
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As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
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