The Church honors the holy archangels St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael on their feast day, September 29.

How do we know angels are real? We can look to Jesus himself, who speaks about angels and confirms their reality. In fact, there are over 200 biblical references to angels, including the Psalm on their feast day: “In the sight of the angels I will praise you, Lord.”

In the Gospel, Jesus tells Nathanael he will see angels ascending and descending upon the Son of Man, echoing Jacob’s vision of the heavenly ladder (Genesis 28). Jesus is that ladder, the mediator between heaven and earth.

Role of the Archangels

The archangels each reveal something of God’s care for His people.

St. Michael, the angel who proclaims that none is like God and who defends us against the powers of evil.

St. Gabriel, the angel who bears God’s strength and announces His saving plan.

St. Raphael, the angel who brings God’s healing to body, mind, and spirit.

Spiritual Battle

Tradition teaches that a third of the angels followed Lucifer in rebellion and became demons. Humanity lives amid this battle: angels help us, while demons seek to drag us down.

We must not be fearful but vigilant, aware of sin, temptation, and the wounds of original sin (concupiscence). Temptations are not always demonic, but evil spirits exploit our weaknesses.

Angels at Mass

Mystics testify that countless angels are present during the Eucharist, adoring Christ. Angels cannot receive Communion but revere the Eucharist deeply. During the Sanctus, we join their eternal praise of God.

Our Assistance

We can pray daily to our guardian angels, to Michael for defense, to Raphael for healing, and to Gabriel for strength. We should recognize angels as real helpers for ourselves, our families, the Church, and even governments.

Prayer to St. Michael:
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. 
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. 
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, 
who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Guardian Angel Prayer:
Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here,
ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.