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Archangel Raphael and Young Tobias Scott C17 (1948) The Feast of the Archangels jointly commemorates them on September 29. The three archangels whom the Church honors by name are Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, and Saint Raphael. They are also the only three holy angels who are mentioned by name in Sacred Scripture. On the traditional Roman calendar, this date was reserved for the feast day of Saint Michael and was also known as "Michaelmas". The holiday was later changed to include the two additional archangels. The Feast of Saint Gabriel used to be celebrated on March 24 (the day prior to the Annunciation) and for Saint Raphael on October 24. Some communities which celebrate the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite still celebrate the three feasts separately. The names assigned to the three archangels reflect the tasks assigned by God: Raphael means 'God has healed', as in the healing of Tobit and the freeing his future daughter-in-law from a demon. The passage from the Book of Tobit states: "I was sent to put you to the test. At the same time, however, God sent me to heal you and your daughter-in-law Sarah. I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand and serve before the Glory of the Lord." (Tobit 12:14-15)The stamp at the top of the article, issued in 1948, depict Raphael and Tobias (as well as Tobias's dog). Saint Raphael is the Patron Saint of travelers, blind people, nurses, pharmacists, physicians, and ill people.  Archangel Gabriel: Airmail Stamp Scott C24 (1956) Gabriel means “God is my strength.” He is God’s messenger to the Virgin Mary, announcing that she would become the Mother of God (Luke 1: 26-35). He also told Zechariah of the upcoming birth of his son, John the Baptist (Luke 1:18-23). Gabriel is depicted on many Vatican City stamps, primarily air mail issues, with one illustrated above. He is commemorated as the patron of messengers (such as his delivery of messages to the Virgin Mary or Zechariah). He is also the patron of stamp collectors and postal, radio and telecommunications workers. 
 Archangel Michael (lower left figure), from Michelangelo's 'Last Judgment' Sistine Chapel and Scott C62 (1976) Photo from Wikimedia Commons, in the Public Domain Michael means 'Who is like God'. He leads angels against Satan and other demons by thrusting them out of Heaven (Rev 12:7-9). In the Book of Daniel, Michael is also the special protector of Israel (Dan 10:13ff and 12:1). He is often depicted slaying a dragon. Although not specifically identified on any Vatican City stamps, in the stamp above Saint Michael is the figure on the stamp below the angel with a trumpet. He holds the Book of the Elect and encourages the souls to be saved to ascend, as depicted in Michelangelo's monumental "Last Judgment" in the Sistine Chapel. A prayer to St. Michael, which is often recited at the conclusion of Mass, was composed by Pope Leo XIII: "St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our strength against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly hosts, 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."The great shrine, Mont San Michel in Normandy, was founded in the 9th and 10th centuries to commemorate a vision of the saint at that location. At the top of the Mount is a Norman/Romanesque/Gothic Benedictine Abbey. Although crowded by visitors during the day, the site continues to function as a monastery, with its tidal flat daily flooded by alluvial waters cutting the location off from the mainland. Saint Michael is the Patron Saint of grocers, soldiers, doctors, mariners, first responders and police. REFERENCES: |
