2013 09 Archangels PDF

The Archangels
St. Michael, Gabriel & Raphael

Feast Day – September 29
September 2013 monthly saint reflection
Because the archangels are very close to God, the Church urges people to pray to them to
help them in their needs. In times of temptation, people pray to Michael; to know and
carry out God’s will, you can call on Gabriel; and travelers and those seeking healing turn to
Raphael. In a mysterious and powerful way, the angels protect the Church and her people.
They assure us that God cares for and is with us.

The Archangels
Saints Michael, Gabriel & Raphael

Feast Day, September 29th

God Has numerous ways to show his loving concern for us. One of these is through the angels. God
has sent angels to intervene in people’s lives when they need protection on their way to heaven. The
archangels, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are three such messengers.

In art St Michael is usually pictured as youthful, strong, clothed in armor, and
wearing sandals. Biblical accounts of Michael present him as a mighty leader
bringing justice and strength. The Book of Daniel describes him as a heavenly prince
who stands guard over God’s people, helping the Israelites return from their
Persian captivity. Michael, whose name means, “Who is like God?” is the principle
fighter in the battle against Lucifer, or Satan, as related in the Book of Revelation.
The early Christians of the second century took courage from these accounts. They believed that
Michael’s intercession was powerful in rescuing souls from hell. In the fourth century, Emperor
Constantine built a church to honor Michael.

Art depicting Gabriel most often shows him as communicating God’s message.
Biblically he is portrayed in three events as a messenger. In the first he explains to
Daniel a vision he had concerning the Messiah. Another time Gabriel comes to
Zachary, who is burning incense in the temple, and tells him the John the Baptist will
be born. But most people associate Gabriel with the Annunciation and his message to
Mary of the birth of Jesus. Gabriel’s name means “Strength of God”.

The archangel Raphael is pictured as the traveling companion of a young man. Tobiah,
who is carrying a fish! A blind man named Tobit sends his son Tobiah on a journey to
collect a debt. He asks Raphael (they don’t know he is an archangel) to be the young
man’s companion and guide. After an adventure filled journey, Tobiah collects the
debt, finds a bride, and restores Tobit’s sight with the fish’s gall. You can read the
whole exciting story in the Book of Tobit in the Old Testament.
Tobit’s family credits the success of the journey and the healing to the presence of Raphael. When
they offer Raphael a reward, he announces who he is “I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who
stand ready and enter before the glory of the Lord” (Tobit 12:15). Since it was through Raphael that
Tobit was cured of his blindness, the angel’s name means, “God’s healing” or “God has healed.”
St Margaret Mary’s & St. Patrick’s
September 2013
The Archangels: St. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael

Week 1 – Prepare

As a family, find a place to gather in your home.
If you’d like, collect items to use such as a bible, cross or crucifix, candle, rosary, etc.
Read the history of Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael included in the packet.
Talk about the Archangels and what made them special; and what actions you can take
personally to follow their example.
Pray the prayers included in the packet.

Week 2 – Take Action

Read about each Archangel in scripture (hint: re-‐read the history). Also, included in the
packet is a poem about St. Michael by Shannon Holloran. Create a poem or story (or
color the picture in the packet) about St. Michael, St. Gabriel, or St. Raphael (you can
do all three if you want,)
Pray the prayers in the packet.

Week 3 – Discern

Gather in your home with any items you would like to use. Find the meanings of the
names in your family (check either of the websites www.thinkbabynames.com or
www.americancatholic.org /features/saints/byname). The Archangels are healing,
protecting, and God-‐like. How in your life have you in the past or will do in the future
call on their example to make decisions and further your faith in God?

Week 4 – Take Action

Gather in your home with any items you would like to use. Pray for the students
starting the year at St. Patrick’s School along with all the students in Vigo County. Pray
for a productive and healthy school year. Call on the Archangels to be with you during
this new school year.

“Michael – Who is like God?”
St. Michael,
Our guardian angel and protector in battle.
“Michael – Who is like God?”
Spirit wind surrounded light
Love and beauty
took from flight
“Mi-‐cha-‐el, Mi-‐cha-‐el”
Soaring high and strong
Lucifer laughed
loud and long…
“Mi-‐cha-‐el. Micha-‐el, -‐ Who is like God?”
This battle cry of love
the angels called
from high above!
“Mi-‐cha-‐el, Mi-‐cha-‐el,”
“Bearer of Light” cast down to hell
and our reward
was thanks to Mi-‐cha-‐el
“Mi-‐cha-‐el, Mi-‐cha-‐el, -‐ Who is like God?”

Shannon Holloran

From the beginning of time, St. Michael was a leader.
He is found in the New Testament and is the patron saint of police officers.
God bless all who serve and protect us each day!

Prayer to St. Gabriel, for Others

O loving messenger of the Incarnation,

Descend upon all those for whom I wish peace and happiness.
Spread your wings over the cradles of the new-‐born babes,
O thou who didst announce the coming of the infant Jesus.
Give to the young a lily petal from the virginal scepter in your hand.
Cause the Ave Maria to re-‐echo in all hearts
That they may find grace and joy through Mary.

Finally, recall the sublime words spoken on the day of the Annunciation—
“Nothing is impossible with God,” and repeat them in hours of trial-‐to all I love-‐
That their confidence in Our Lord may be reanimated when all human help fails.
Amen.

Prayer to St. Raphael

Most glorious Prince,
Archangel Raphael,
Be mindful of us and pray for us,
Here and in every place,
To the Son of God.

O God, who gave your servant Tobias the holy Archangel Raphael
For a companion on his journey, grant that during our earthly pilgrimage
We may always be protected by his watchful care
And strengthened by his help.
Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.

2013 09 Archangels PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

2013 09 Archangels PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

2013 09 Archangels PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

St. Michael, Gabriel & Raphael

Saints Michael, Gabriel & Raphael

O loving messenger of the Incarnation,

You might also like

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.