Patron Saints of soldiers, police, paramedics, and the sick and dying (Michael); messengers, postal workers, broadcasters, and expectant mothers (Gabriel); travelers, the blind, medical workers, and matchmakers (Raphael)
In the fifth or sixth century, Church theologian Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite used the Bible to articulate what has become the traditional understanding of the hierarchy of angels. Saint Thomas Aquinas later built upon that teaching. Both taught that the hierarchy is made up of nine choirs, divided into three triads. The three highest, in the first triad (Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones), are devoted to God’s service, worshiping Him continuously. The second triad (Dominions, Virtues, and Powers) governs the created world and the Universe. The third triad (Principalities, Archangels, and Angels) mediates between God and man. We honor the Archangels today.
The heavenly spirits are mentioned numerous times in the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, they stood at the entrance to the Garden of Eden, directed Abraham, stayed his hand at the sacrifice of Isaac, destroyed Sodom and protected Lot, wrestled with Jacob, led Moses and the Israelites, and interacted with Israel’s kings and prophets. In the New Testament, the Archangel Gabriel announced the births of John the Baptist and Jesus. Angels ministered to Jesus during His agony in the garden, were present at His Resurrection, and set Peter free from prison.
The archangels are a step above the guardian angels and serve humanity directly, performing the most important tasks. The three honored today are the only three mentioned in the Bible, but Jewish traditions name seven archangels, and some speculate that God uses a whole host of archangels.
Michael’s name means “Who is like God?” The Book of Daniel names him as the prince who stands up for Israel’s people (Daniel 10:13, 10:21, and 12:1). The Letter of Jude speaks of Michael fighting Satan in a dispute over Moses’ body (Jude 1:9). The Book of Revelation reveals Michael’s battle with Satan, casting him from Heaven (Revelation 12:7–8). In these passages, Michael is the great defender against Satan and his demons, the Church’s protector, and the Prince of the Angels. Saints Basil, Robert Bellarmine, and Bonaventure have speculated that Michael directs the entire host of angels, taking Lucifer’s place who was a Seraph of the highest realm. Pope Leo XIII wrote the prayer to Saint Michael, who defends us in battle, still prayed in many churches and in private devotion.
Gabriel’s name means “God is my strength.” In the Book of Daniel, Gabriel interprets Daniel’s vision (Daniel 8:15–27; 9:20–27). In the New Testament, Gabriel appears to Zechariah to reveal John the Baptist’s birth (Luke 1:5–20), and to the Blessed Virgin to announce the Messiah’s birth (Luke 1:26–38). It might have been Gabriel who told Saint Joseph in a dream not to fear taking Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:18–25). Gabriel often appears in sacred art blowing a trumpet for his role in conveying divine messages, guiding prophets, and participating in important historical events.
Raphael, whose name means “God has healed,” is mentioned only in the Book of Tobit. Raphael guided Tobit’s son, Tobias, on a journey, led him to the woman who became his wife, and accompanied the two back to Tobit, whom he healed. It is speculated that Raphael is one of the seven angels in the Book of Revelation who receives one of the seven trumpets (Revelation 8:2).
Glorious Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, I entrust myself to your angelic mediation. Please set into motion God’s plan for my life, protect me from the evil one, deliver to me God’s holy word, and heal me of my sin. I thank you for the glorious duties you fulfill in the divine mission and rely upon you in my life. Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, pray for me and mediate God’s grace to me. Jesus, I trust in You.
