September 29, 2023, Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels, Holy Rosary (Sorrowful Mysteries)

Friends of the Rosary:

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Archangels Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.

Believing in the existence of the spiritual, that Sacred Scripture calls “angels” is a truth of faith.

Angels are pure, non-corporeal heavenly spirits, on a higher order than human beings. They do not depend on matter for their existence or activity. The name angel means servant or messenger of God. They are distinct from saints, which men can become. Angels have intellect and will, and are immortal.

St. Michael (Who is like God?, in Hebrew) is the prince of the heavenly host. He was the archangel who fought against Satan and all his evil angels. He is the protector of all humanity from the snares of the devil.

His name appears in Scripture four times, twice in the Book of Daniel, and once each in the Epistle of St. Jude and the Book of Revelation. From Revelation, we learn of the battle in heaven, with St. Michael and his angels combatting Lucifer and the other fallen angels (or devils). We invoke St. Michael to help us in our fight against Satan; to rescue souls from Satan, especially at the hour of death.

He is usually pictured as a strong warrior, dressed in armor and wearing sandals.

St. Gabriel (God is my strength) announced to Zachariah the forthcoming birth of John the Baptist, and to Mary, the birth of Jesus.

He was the angel chosen by God to be the messenger to announce the mystery of the Incarnation.

His greeting to the Virgin, “Hail, full of grace,” has become the constant prayer of all Christian people.

St. Raphael (God has healed) is the archangel who took care of Tobias’ blindness on his journey in the Book of Tobit. His mission was as a healer and fellow traveler with the youthful Tobias.

He is also identified with the angel in John 5:1-4 who descended upon the pond and bestowed healing powers.

Ave Maria!
Jesus, I Trust In You!
St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael Pray for Us!

To Jesus through Mary!

+ Mikel A. | RosaryNetwork.com, New York

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