September 29th is the Feast of the Archangels, SS. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael and October 2nd is the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels. We can and should thank the Holy Angels every day for all they do to help and support us, and the Church has set aside these two days each year to remind us to honor them.
Why should we honor the Holy Angels? Here are just a few examples:
- Psalm 91:11-12 tells us, “For God commands the angels to guard you in all your ways. With their hands they shall support you, lest you strike your foot against a stone.”
- St. Gabriel announced the greatest message of all time, the Incarnation of Christ in Luke 1:26-27, “In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a Virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the Virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!’ “
- St. Jean Marie Vianney, Patron Saint of parish priests, said, “What a comfort it is to know that when we go out of the house, we are never alone en route.”
- The Catechism of the Catholic Church #333 tells us, “From the Incarnation to the Ascension, the life of the Word incarnate is surrounded by the adoration and service of angels.” And #334, “The whole life of the Church benefits from the mysterious and powerful help of angels.”
- St. Gregory said, “In this visible world nothing takes place without the agency of the invisible creature (the angel).”
- St. Basil said “Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.”
St. Michael’s name means who is like God. He protects us against direct attacks from the devil. He can stop him before he has a chance to hurt us or tempt us. He is the patron saint of grocers, mariners, paratroopers, police officers and military personnel. You can read about him in the book of Revelation, chapter 12.
St. Gabriel’s name means strength of God. He protects us while we are being attacked. He can strengthen our wills and enlighten our minds so we can receive the light and strength we need to persevere during temptations and trials. He is the patron saint of messengers, radio and television workers, postal workers, clerics, diplomats and stamp collectors. You can read about him in several places in the bible. A favorite is in chapter 1 of Luke.
St. Raphael’s name means medicine of God. St. Raphael protects us after we’ve been attacked or wounded. He can help us recover from physical, spiritual or emotional wounds caused by the devil or other evil forces. He is the patron saint of travelers, the blind, happy meetings, nurses, physicians, medical workers, matchmakers, Christian marriage and Catholic studies. You can read about him in the book of Tobit, chapters 5-12.
The Holy Angels want to help us! They want to work with us! Honor them. Thank them, and ask them for their guidance and direction, every day, not just on their feast days.
You are in my prayers,
Therese
