Although there are believed to be seven archangels (Tobit 12:15, Rev. 8:2), only Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are mentioned in Sacred Scripture.   Only Michael is called an archangel in Scripture.  He is regarded as the highest-ranking archangel.

According to Catholic tradition, there are nine orders of angels in descending order: 1) Seraphim, 2) Cherubim, 3) Thrones, 4) Dominions, 5) Principalities, 6) Powers, 7) Virtues, 8) Archangels, 9) and Angels.  Notice that the archangels are the second lowest choir of angelic beings.  They are above angels (among whom are our Guardian Angels), but below seven other orders of angels.  They are sometimes referred to as “princes” of the angels that rank below them.  

The lower levels of angels are concerned with the things on earth, while the higher angels are concerned with the things of heaven.  Both angels and archangels directly deal with human beings on earth, but archangels are given the most important missions.  For example, think of the Archangel Gabriel whose mission was to announce the Good News to Mary that she would be a son named Jesus (Lk 1:26-38).  

St. Michael: His name means, “Who is like God?”   He is best known for fighting against Satan and all his evil spirits.  He protects all of humanity from the snares of the evil one.  In art, he is typically depicted stepping on the devil’s head with his sword in the air ready to do some serious damage.  He is the champion of the faithful and protector of the Church and the angel who brings the souls of their judgment before God.

Many parishes invoke St. Michael to help them fight against Satan after every daily Mass.  In Sacred Scripture, St. Michael appears in the Book of Daniel, the epistle of Jude, and the Book of Revelation.  

St. Gabriel: His name means “Power of God.”   He appears in Sacred Scripture three times as God’s messenger (Dan. 8:15-26, 9:21-27; Lk 1:11-38).  Most notably, he is known as the angel chosen by God as the messenger of the Annunciation, announcing to mankind the mystery of the Incarnation.  He is also believed to be the angel who appeared to St. Joseph and the shepherd’s at Christ’s nativity.  Finally, he is the angel believed to have comforted Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.   St. Gabriel is the angel of mercy and consolation.  

St. Raphael: His name means “God has healed.”  Our knowledge of him comes from the book of Tobit where he helps Tobiah and Sarah enter safely into marriage.  Tradition holds that he is the angel that stirred the waters at the healing pool in Bethesda (Jn. 5:4).  He is the patron of travelers.  Raphael is regarded as a companion, protector, and healer.      

For us today, we can see that each of the three archangels has a function or role in God’s plan of salvation.  Namely, Michael protects.  Gabriel announces.  Raphael guides.  Our preface today says that the honor we give angelic creatures in whom God delights redounds to His surpassing glory.  

Additionally, our prayer after communion reminds us that it’s through the faithful protection of God’s angels that we advance boldly along the way of salvation.  

In honoring these three heavenly messengers, we give glory to God and thank Him that He has given us these servants to faithfully watch over us and lead us to salvation.  

                          ~Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, pray for us!