*"Seeking the help and intercession of the Archangels - _St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael_ - to grow in our love for the Lord!”*
The Church professes and proclaims Her faith in God which is encapsulated in the Nicene Creed.
The Nicene Creed begins with the proclamation, "We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of all things VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE."
The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings, that Sacred Scripture usually calls "angels," is a truth of faith!
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Three Archangels - St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael.
Archangels are traditionally understood as one of the nine choirs of angels. (cf. Eph 1:21, Col 1:16)
In ascending order, the choirs or classes are 1) Angels, 2) Archangels, 3) Principalities, 4) Powers, 5) Virtues, 6) Dominations, 7) Thrones, 8) Cherubim, and 9) Seraphim.
The Feast of the Three Archangels - St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael is an opportunity to learn more about them and to grow in deeper devotion and fondness for them.
ST. MICHAEL
St Michael is known as "the prince of the heavenly host."
He is usually pictured as a strong warrior, dressed in armour.
What does St Michael teach us?
St Michael teaches us…
… to depend on the power of God in our battle against the forces of Satan
… to guard ourselves against the disguises and snares of evil forces.
… to become a guard and protector of our fellow brothers and sisters.
ST GABRIEL
The name of the archangel Gabriel means, in Hebrew, "God is my strength"
St Gabriel is known as a "messenger of God"
He is usually pictured announcing something and sometimes with a lily or a sceptre.
What does St Gabriel teach us?
St Gabriel invites us…
… to listen to God's voice and inspirations through various sources.
… to find courage in situations of fear, by trusting in God's Providence.
… to be open to surprises and wonders the Lord works in our lives.
ST RAPHAEL
The name of the archangel Raphael means, in Hebrew, "God has healed?"
St Raphael is known as "a wonderful helper and fellow traveller"
He is usually pictured walking with a young boy, sometimes carrying a staff.
St Raphael makes many appearance in the Book of Tobit in the Bible:
St Raphael appears disguised in human form as the travelling companion of Tobias, the son of Tobit.
What does St Raphael teach us?
St Raphael inspires us…
… to discover God as the healing balm in our afflictions and hardships.
… to walk boldly with God in all the terrains and valleys and paths of life.
… to trust in God in seemingly hopeless and impossible hurdles of life.
