THE HOLY ARCHANGELS September 28, 2025

On Monday we will be celebrating the Feast of the Holy Archangels and on 2nd October we keep the Feast of the Guardian Angels.

     We honour the Archangel Raphael, who represents the healing power of God. In the Old Testament he features in the book of Tobit where he guides the young Tobias to his future bride Sarah and assists him in vanquishing the demon Asmodeus. He later cures Tobias' blind father. Some scholars identify him as being the angel who stirred the waters of the pool in the Temple in which the sick sought healing (as mentioned in the Gospel story of the curing of the blind man).

     Archangel Gabriel is the gentle comforter who helps the Prophet Daniel to discern his visions. He is the Angel who appears to Zachary in the Temple to announce the nativity of John the Baptist and, of course, he also appears to Our Blessed Lady at the Annunciation. The name Gabriel is from the Hebrew meaning Man of God.

     Archangel Michael is the heroic defender of Heaven and the leader of the Celestial Armies. The Apocalypse of St John reports how he does battle with Satan and his armies and conquers them. His name means in Hebrew Who Is Like Unto God? Many of you will know the prayer Holy Michael Archangel which is recited after Mass.

     Let us not forget to ask the assistance of the Angels in our daily prayers. You will find prayers to the Angels and to our Guardian Angels in most good Catholic Prayer.           

  ~ Fr. Paul Dobson.