SAINT MICHAEL, GABRIEL AND RAPHAEL
Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael the Archangels By Edward Matulanya The Catholic Church teaches that angels are purely spiritual beings who serve as God’s messengers and helpers (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997, §§328-336). Among them, the Church venerates by name only Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, whose missions are recorded in Scripture and whose feast is kept on 29 September. Saint Michael the Archangel Michael’s name means “Who is like God?” (Vatican City State, 2020). Scripture depicts him as the defender of God’s people (Dn 10:13; 12:1), the leader of the heavenly army against Satan (Rv 12:7-9), and protector of the Church (CCC, 1997, §335). Saint Gabriel the Archangel Gabriel’s name means “God is my strength” (Vatican City State, 2020). He is God’s principal messenger, announcing the birth of John the Baptist (Lk 1:11-20) and, most notably, the Incarnation to Mary at the Annunciation (Lk 1:26-38) (CCC, 1997, §332). Saint Raphael the Archangel Raphael’s name me...