- 29 September, 2025
Sept 29, 2025: Every year on 29 September, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. These heavenly beings are more than figures of ancient Scripture — they remain powerful signs of God’s presence, protection, and guidance in the modern world.
Who Are the Archangels?
The word “angel” itself means messenger. Among them, the Archangels hold a unique place of honour as leaders in God’s service. In the Bible, each one has a distinct mission that reveals something of God’s character and care for His people.
St. Michael is the mighty defender of heaven. In the Book of Revelation (12:7–9), he leads the heavenly armies in battle against the forces of evil. His role is not just about cosmic warfare, but about protecting the faithful and strengthening us in our daily struggles against sin and darkness.
St. Gabriel is the herald of God’s Good News. He appears to Daniel with understanding (Daniel 8–9), to Zechariah with the promise of John the Baptist (Luke 1:11–20), and to Mary with the most astonishing announcement in history — that she would become the Mother of God (Luke 1:26–38).
St. Raphael is the gentle healer and guide. In the Book of Tobit, he journeys with Tobias, protects him from danger, and brings healing to Tobit’s blindness (Tobit 12:15). Raphael shows us God’s care for our bodies, relationships, and journeys.
The Meaning of Their Names
Each name carries a message that speaks into our own lives:
Michael means “Who is like God?” This rhetorical question proclaims that no power, no idol, no false promise can rival the living God. In a world that tempts us with self-reliance and pride, Michael reminds us to turn back to God as our true protector.
Gabriel means “God is my strength.” His name reassures us that we are not left to face life’s challenges alone. God equips us with courage to embrace His will, even when it disrupts our plans.
Raphael means “God heals.” In a time when many carry wounds of body, mind, or spirit, Raphael’s name assures us that God desires wholeness for His people and walks with us in our brokenness.
Why They Matter Today
Though their stories come from Scripture, the Archangels are profoundly relevant to us now.
Michael offers courage. In a time when evil often hides under the cloak of convenience, pleasure, or compromise, Michael reminds us that faith requires vigilance and strength. He challenges us to confront injustice and defend human dignity, whether in our communities or in global struggles. In a digital world filled with harmful influences, he teaches us to resist temptation with God’s armour of truth. For those who feel overwhelmed, Michael’s protection is a sign that we are never alone in the battle. Above all, he inspires us to ask daily: Who is like God?
Gabriel offers clarity. We live in an age of noise, constant notifications, and endless voices competing for our attention. Gabriel reminds us that God still speaks, but His voice is often gentle and requires listening hearts. Just as Gabriel’s words to Mary called her to trust in an unknown future, we too are invited to surrender our plans to God’s greater design. His presence reassures us that when God asks the impossible, He also gives the strength to fulfil it. Gabriel teaches us that every “yes” to God becomes a doorway to transformation.
Raphael offers healing. Our modern world is marked by deep wounds — from broken families and fractured relationships to the silent suffering of loneliness, anxiety, and illness. Raphael reminds us that God does not abandon us to our pain but journeys with us, guiding us step by step. His healing is not limited to the physical; it extends to the heart, where resentment can be softened and hope restored. In a society that often chases quick fixes, Raphael teaches us the value of patient, faithful healing that restores us fully. He calls us to be instruments of healing too — bringing compassion, reconciliation, and peace wherever we go.
Living Their Mission
The Feast of the Archangels is more than a commemoration; it is a call to imitation. Each of us is invited to take up their mission in daily life: to defend what is true, to proclaim what is good, and to bring healing where there is pain.
As we honour Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, we are reminded that heaven is not silent. God still sends His messengers — sometimes through people, sometimes through quiet promptings — to guide, strengthen, and heal us. Their feast is a reminder that God’s care is both personal and powerful, and that He never abandons His people.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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