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The Archangels
September 23, 2022
Author:
Hannah DeVivo
Peace be with you!
The feast of the Archangels is next Thursday, September 29th. Let’s take a look at who and what the Archangels are.
What is an Angel?
The Catechism of the Catholic Church has this to say about angels:
The existence of angels - a truth of faith
The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls “angels” is a truth of faith. The witness of Scripture is as clear as the unanimity of Tradition.
Who are they?
Saint Augustine says: “‘Angel’ is the name of their office, not of their nature. If you seek the name of their nature, it is ‘spirit’; if you seek the name of their office, it is ‘angel’: from what they are, ‘spirit’, from what they do, ‘angel.’” With their whole beings the angels are servants and messengers of God. Because they “always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven” they are the “mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word.”
As purely spiritual creatures, angels have intelligence and will: they are personal and immortal creatures, surpassing in perfection all visible creatures, as the splendor of their glory bears witness.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraphs 328-330).
Who are the Archangels?
Through Holy Scripture, we know that there are nine different groups (or choirs) of angels. Saint Thomas Aquinas gave us the following list (using the traditional names from the Hebrew and Greek through the Latin Vulgate of St. Jerome):
Some ancient Judaic traditions teach that there are seven archangels: Uriel, Raphael, Raguel, Michael, Suriel, Phanuel and Gabriel. These are derived from the book of Enoch which is not in the Bible. These extra names have led to traditional teachings that are not verified by the Catholic Church. In fact, they have led to pagan worship and idolatry. The Church has worked diligently to prevent the cult of angels, and is very careful to adhere to the only true revelation.
In 1992, the decree Litteris Diei stated that “it is forbidden to teach and use notions about angels and archangels, their personal names and their particular functions, outside of what is directly reflected in the Holy Scriptures; consequently, every form of consecration to the angels, and any practices other than the official customs of worship are forbidden.”
The Holy Canonical Scripture of the Catholic Church recognizes the three specific archangels as Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Each of these messengers of God was entrusted with a specific and important task. Due to these tasks, each of them has been elevated from the other angels. We learn from Scripture that they are close to God and to us—communicating and carrying out the Lord’s will while protecting and helping us on earth. They have been given the title “Saint,” which is bestowed upon “those whose heroic virtue has been demonstrated and whose presence with God has been confirmed by their miraculous intercession.”
Saint Michael
Saint Michael the Archangel is depicted as a warrior, often defeating the devil. His name means “Who is like God?” When Saint Michael is mentioned in the Bible, he is a great warrior; he is the one leading the fight against the enemy. Pope Leo XIII composed the prayer to Saint Michael after he had a vision of a great spiritual attack that would come in the next century. A portion of that original prayer is prayed in many churches after the Mass has ended. The prayer is a personal favorite of mine, and I can feel the power in it when I pray. One time in a dream, I was joined by family and friends, and we were under attack. I felt very frightened. Suddenly, we all began to pray the Saint Michael prayer together. The room was filled with the unison of our voices. The evil ones fled, and I awoke feeling strong and at peace.
Saint Gabriel
Saint Gabriel the Archangel is depicted with lilies as a symbol of purity. His name means “Power of God” or “Strength of God.” Saint Gabriel is a messenger of God who imparts the peace of the Lord on those to whom he appears. In the Bible, the Angel Gabriel is first mentioned in the Old Testament. He interprets Daniel’s visions and helps him to understand the meaning. In the New Testament, he appears to Zechariah and Elizabeth, to inform them that they would bear a son. The Angel Gabriel also appears to Mary, telling her that she is to be the mother of Jesus.
Saint Raphael
Saint Raphael the Archangel is depicted with a fish due to the story in the book of Tobit. His name means “God Heals.” The book of Tobit is a deuterocanonical—“belonging to the second canon”—book of the Bible and is considered by the Catholic Church to be a canonical book of the Old Testament. The book of Tobit recounts how the Archangel Raphael used the power of God to heal. Saint Raphael was traveling with Tobias. When Tobias went to bathe in the Tigris River, he was attacked by a fish. Saint Raphael instructed Tobias to catch the fish, and after killing it, remove the heart, liver, and gall. Saint Raphael used these parts of the fish when healing Tobias’ father, Tobit, of his blindness and Tobias’ future wife, Sarah, from a demon.
The archangels are mighty servants of God who can help us against the battle of darkness and guide us to our ultimate goal of unity with God. Let us ask their intercession as we navigate through the perils of life and strive for the glory of Heaven! As Saint Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). For some wonderful devotional products to the Archangels, visit here.
Before You Go
Do you have a special devotion to any or all of the archangels?
Do you feel the help of the Heavenly Court in your daily life?
Did you learn anything new in this article?
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