Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel and Saint Raphael

<p>Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are three of the seven archangels who stand before God and are venerated in both Jewish and Christian traditions. While this date was once dedicated solely to Michael (Michaelmas), it now commemorates all three.</p>
<p>Michael ('Who is like the Lord?'), considered the special protector of Israel (Daniel 12.1) and of the Church, is known as the 'captain of the heavenly host' (Revelation 12.7-9).</p>
<p>Gabriel ('God is mighty') foretold the coming of the Messiah to the prophet Daniel (Daniel 9). Luke records the appearances of this 'angel of the Lord' to Zechariah and to Mary of Nazareth (Luke 1).</p>
<p>Raphael ('God heals') identifies himself as one of the angels who bring prayers before God (Tobit 12). He is associated with the healing pool in Jerusalem (John 5).<br /></p>
<p>©2011 <em>Living with Christ, </em>Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., <strong>http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/</strong&gt;. Reprinted with permission.</p>