September 28, 2025
Dear Parish Family:
This is the week of angels! September 29 is the Feast Day of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. These three Archangels are the only angels named in the Bible, and all three played an important part in God’s salvation plan.
Saint Michael: The name of the archangel Michael means, who is like unto God. He is commonly known as “the prince of the heavenly host.” His name appears in Scripture four times. We invoke Saint Michael to help us fight against Satan and evil. Pope Leo XIII, in 1899, instituted a prayer asking for Saint Michael’s protection, which is said in many churches at the end of every Mass. Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our defense 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, cast into hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who roam about the world, seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Saint Gabriel: Gabriel’s name means “God is my strength.” He appears in the Bible three times as a messenger. He appears to Daniel, to Zechariah to foretell the birth of John the Baptist, and to Mary to announce the Incarnation. Blessed Saint Gabriel, Archangel, we beseech you to intercede for us at the throne of divine mercy: As you announced the mystery of the Incarnation to Mary, so through your prayers may we receive strength of faith and courage of spirit, and thus find favor with God and redemption through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Saint Raphael: Raphael’s name in Hebrew means “God has healed.” Our knowledge of the Archangel Raphael comes to us from the book of Tobit. His mission as wonderful healer and fellow traveler with the youthful Tobias. Blessed Saint Raphael, Archangel, we beseech you to help us in all our needs and trials of this life, as you, through the power of God, didst restore sight and gave guidance to young Tobit. We humbly seek your aid and intercession, that our souls may be healed, our bodies protected from all ills, and that through divine grace we may become fit to dwell in the eternal Glory of God in heaven. Amen.
October 2 is the feast of the Guardian Angels. God gives each of us our angel to guard us in all our ways. They remain with us our entire lives, providing protection from physical and spiritual dangers, interceding with God for us, and offering guidance and inspiration. Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.
Love and prayers,
Father Neil Sullivan