September 29 + Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael the Archangels

Angels appear frequently in Scripture, but only Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are named. Each of the Archangels performs a different mission in Scripture: Michael protects; Gabriel announces; Raphael heals.

Saint Michael is the "Prince of the Heavenly Host," the leader of all the angels. His name means "Who is like God?" Michael acts as the defender of the Church and chief opponent of Satan, and assists people at the hour of their death.

Saint Gabriel, whose name means "God's strength," is mentioned four times in the Bible. Most significant are Gabriel's two mentions in the New Testament: to announce the birth of John the Baptist to his father Zacharias, and at the Incarnation of the Word in the womb of Mary. Tradition holds that it is he who appeared to Saint Joseph and to the shepherds, and also that it was he who "strengthened" Jesus during His agony in the garden.

Saint Raphael, whose name means "God has healed" because of his healing of Tobias' blindness in the Book of Tobit. Tobit is the only book in which he is mentioned. His office is generally accepted by tradition to be that of healing and acts of mercy.