Patron saints of the military, travelers, and communication arts respectively.
Today we celebrate the Feast of Archangels Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel. Patron saints of the Military, Travelers, and Communication Arts respectively.
St Michael the Archangel is the Prince of the heavenly hosts, always at the head of the angelic legions as they continually battle against the forces of evil. Devotion to St Michael, whose feast is celebrated on September 29th, has universal reach. The name “Michael,” which is mentioned five times in the Bible, is derived from a Hebrew expression meaning “Who is like unto God?” St Michael is the Prince of Heavenly Hosts who fights against evil, defending the Church and the Faith against the assaults of Satan.
The cult of archangel Raphael can be traced back to the 11th century; his feast day is celebrated together with that of the archangels Michael and Gabriel. His name comes from the Hebrew “Rafa-El,” or “medicine of El [God],” the opposite of the name of the demon Asmodeus, “he who causes to perish.” Raphael is the protagonist of an entire book of the Bible. The archangel accompanies Tobias, the young son of Tobit and Anna, when Tobit asks Tobias to carry out a delicate mission that will require a long and dangerous journey.
One particular task of archangels has been to deliver divine messages during certain pivotal times in history, and Archangel Gabriel appears with heavenly messages in both the Old and New Testaments. His name is first mentioned in the Book of Daniel. Daniel was a prophet who lived in Babylon (present-day Iraq) while the people of Judah were being held captive there. Archangel Gabriel appeared on two different occasions to Daniel, offering him and his countrymen hope, assurance, and strength during their long and difficult internment. Archangel Gabriel is very prominent in the New Testament within the Gospel of Luke as he announces two very significant events.
Today, let’s remember Archangels Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel, and say in grace:
St. Michael; pray for us!
St. Raphael; pray for us!
St. Gabriel; pray for us!
Heaven is our goal.
Sources: Saint of the Day – Calendar of Saints of 09/29 – Vatican News