Next Sunday is the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. See the FAQ at the end for more information on them. The following prayer was said at the end of mass between 1886 and 1964 (when it was discontinued).
Saint 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,
thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits
who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
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,
thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits
who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
FAQ….Who are the Archangels?
- “Archangel” has two meanings in Catholic theology. It’s one of the nine ranks of angels (the medieval mind systematized everything, including categories of angels), but it also means “principal angel.” There are said to be seven archangels in the Catholic tradition, but the feast day recognizes the three primary ones: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.
- Michael, whose name means “Who is like God?” is the Prince of the Seraphim, (that is, the highest ranking angel of all). He is the patron saint of the police and other security forces, and the sick and innumerable hordes of Catholic boys.
- Gabriel’s name means “God’s strength.” He is the patron saint of diplomats, telecommunications, and the post office (and stamp collectors, for that matter). Why? Because Gabriel was the messenger who announced to Mary that she would bear Jesus.
- Raphael, “God’s remedy,” is patron saint of travelers and of the blind, because in the book of Tobit he traveled with Tobit and he cured a blind man.
- The (arch)angels are one of the things Christians, Jews and Muslims hold in common; Michael and Gabriel are both mentioned in the book of Daniel, and Raphael in the book of Tobit. In Islam, they are known as Mikhail, Jibril and Israfel. Mikhail is the archangel of mercy, thunder and rain. Jibril is the archangel who revealed the Quran to Mohammed. Israfel will blow the horn to announce Judgment Day.
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Karen Soos
Associate Chaplain and Catholic Campus Minister
Davidson College
Campus Box 7196
Davidson NC 28035
704. 894. 2423
Associate Chaplain and Catholic Campus Minister
Davidson College
Campus Box 7196
Davidson NC 28035
704. 894. 2423
