ARCHANGELS

Feast of Archangels Raphael, Michael and Gabriel

John 1:51

“Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

As what St. Thomas Aquinas once remarked – Angels transcend every religion, every philosophy, every creed. In fact angels have no religion as we know it… their existence precedes every religious system that has ever existed on earth. They are forever our guardians – guiding us and keeping us from harm. Feel then, hear them. The Angels are waiting for you to speak to them. Listen closely and you will hear them sing their sweet harmonious melodies into your heart and soul.

St. Raphael the Archangel - Raphael's name means "God heals”. This identity came about because of the biblical story which claims that he "healed" the earth when it was defiled by the sins of the fallen angels in the apocryphal book of Enoch. He was sent by God to help Tobit, Tobiah and Sarah. He is also the patron of the blind, of happy meetings, of nurses, of physicians and of travelers.

St. Michael the Archangel – The name Michael signifies "Who is like to God?" and was the warcry of the good angels in the battle fought in heaven against satan and his followers. Holy Scripture describes St. Michael as "one of the chief princes," and leader of the forces of heaven in their triumph over the powers of hell. St. Michael is the patron of grocers, mariners, paratroopers, police and sickness.

St. Gabriel the Archangel – The name Gabriel means "man of God," or "God has shown himself mighty”. He was the angel who appeared to Zachariah to announce the birth of St. John the Baptizer. Finally, he announced to Mary that she would bear a Son Who would be conceived of the Holy Spirit, Son of the Most High, and Saviour of the world. Gabriel is the patron of communications workers.

Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here, ever this day, be at my side to light and guard, to rule and guide.

Amen +

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