On September 29, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Archangels. In the modern world, we often treat angels like cute, chubby babies floating on clouds. But in the Bible, when an angel appears, the first thing they have to say is: "Be not afraid."
Why? Because angels are terrifying. They are vast, powerful, non-physical intelligences. And the Archangels are the "Princes" of this realm. Specifically, the Church names three: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.
At the head of them all is St. Michael, the one who led the charge against Lucifer. If you have ever prayed the "St. Michael Prayer" after Mass, you are part of a spiritual tradition that was born out of a terrifying vision of the 20th century.
Here is everything you need to know about the Heavenly Host.
1. The Vision: Pope Leo XIII (October 13, 1884)
On October 13, 1884 (exactly 33 years before the Miracle of the Sun at Fatima), Pope Leo XIII finished celebrating Mass in his private chapel. Suddenly, he stopped. His face turned pale. He stood frozen for several minutes, seemingly in a trance. He then rushed to his office and wrote the St. Michael Prayer, ordering it to be recited after every Low Mass in the world.
What did he see?
Cardinals later reported that the Pope had heard a conversation between God and Satan near the tabernacle. Satan, in a guttural voice, boasted that he could destroy the Church.
- Satan: "I can destroy your Church."
- Jesus: "You can? Then go ahead and do so."
- Satan: "I need more time and more power."
- Jesus: "How much time? How much power?"
- Satan: "75 to 100 years, and a greater power over those who will give themselves over to my service."
- Jesus: "You have the time, you have the power. Do with them what you will."
Leo realized that the 20th century was going to be a time of unprecedented spiritual warfare (Wars, Communism, Nazism, Moral Collapse). He gave the Church a weapon: St. Michael.
2. St. Michael: "Who is Like God?"
The name "Michael" (Mi-ka-El) is actually a question: "Who is like God?" It was the war cry he shouted when Lucifer (the most beautiful angel) said, "I will not serve." Michael is the "Prince of the Heavenly Host." He is the defender of the Church and the patron of police officers and soldiers.
His Four Offices:
- To fight against Satan: Not just in the beginning, but at the hour of death.
- To rescue the souls of the faithful: Especially those who invoke him.
- To be the champion of God’s people: He was the protector of Israel in the Old Testament and the Church in the New.
- To call away from earth and bring men to judgment: He is the one who "weighs" souls.
3. St. Gabriel: "God is My Strength"
Gabriel is the Messenger. If God has a major announcement to make, He sends Gabriel.
- He appeared to Daniel to explain the end of time.
- He appeared to Zechariah to announce the birth of John the Baptist.
- Most importantly, he appeared to Mary (The Annunciation) to ask for her "Yes."
Gabriel is the patron of communications, broadcasters, and postal workers. He teaches us how to listen to God’s voice and how to respond with courage.
4. St. Raphael: "God Heals"
Raphael only appears in the Book of Tobit (which is why Protestants, who removed Tobit from their Bibles, often don't know him). In the story, Raphael disguises himself as a man named Azarias to guide young Tobias on a journey. He heals Tobias's father of blindness and protects Tobias from a demon.
His Roles:
- The Healer: Patron of doctors and nurses.
- The Traveler: Patron of travelers and pilgrims.
- The Matchmaker: He helped Tobias find his wife, Sarah. He is often invoked by those looking for a holy spouse.
5. The Hierarchy: The 9 Choirs of Angels
Not all angels are the same. Based on the writings of St. Dionysius and St. Thomas Aquinas, there is a hierarchy of nine "choirs":
The First Hierarchy (Beholding God)
- Seraphim: (The Burning Ones) They surround the throne of God, burning with love.
- Cherubim: (Fullness of Knowledge) They contemplate God's providence.
- Thrones: They represent God's judicial power and stability.
The Second Hierarchy (Governing the Universe)
- Dominations: They assign tasks to the lower angels.
- Virtues: They are in charge of miracles and the laws of nature.
- Powers: They stop the efforts of demons to overthrow the world.
The Third Hierarchy (Dealing with Humans)
- Principalities: They watch over nations and cities.
- Archangels: (Michael, Gabriel, Raphael) They deliver major messages.
- Angels: (Your Guardian Angel) They handle the details of your daily life.
6. How to Invoke the Archangels
- The St. Michael Prayer: Pray it after every Rosary and every Mass. It is a "minor exorcism" that clears the spiritual air.
- The Chaplet of St. Michael: A beautiful prayer where you ask for the intercession of all 9 Choirs of Angels.
- The Angelus: Specifically honors the message of Gabriel to Mary.
- The Novena to St. Raphael: For healing or for guidance in finding a spouse.
Conclusion: You are Never Alone
We live in a material world, but it is surrounded by a spiritual one. Right now, as you read this, there is an angel next to you. And in the heavens, the Archangels are standing ready to defend you. Do not be afraid of the "wickedness and snares" of the world. The Prince of the Heavenly Host has already won the battle.
The Prayer:
"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 Host, 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."
Battle-ready? Arm yourself with the prayers of the Archangels on the MyPrayerTower app.