Future Priests of the Third Millennium

A little insight into the life of seminarians from various dioceses preparing for ministry as Roman Catholic priests, including daily activities, personal interests, special events, the spiritual life, news from the seminary, and almost whatever comes to our minds!



Monday, September 29, 2008

Feast of the Archangels

Hail thee, Festival Day!


Today we celebrate the Feast of Gabriel, Michael, and Raphael - the Archangels.


Where did the Church get the idea that these three angels exist? I am not sure if it will surprise you to read that all three of them are found in (that's right) the Bible.


Saint Gabriel, of course, is found in the first chapter of the Gospel according to Saint Luke. He announced to the Blessed Virgin Mary that she would be the Mother of God. This, the first mystery of the Rosary, heralds the incarnation of Jesus.


Saint Michael is written of in the Book of Revelation. In Chapter 12 of the Book of Revelation, we read the story of Saint Michael expelling the Evil One and the demons out of Heaven. We also read of the impending doom and defeat of the Enemy. As far as this author is aware, Saint Michael is the only one of the three archangels to whom the Bible specifically gives the title of "archangel."


Saint Raphael comes to us from a lesser known reference. In Chapter Three of the Book of Tobit we read of Sarah and her maid praying to God. The book tells us that "the prayer of these two suppliants was heard in the glorious presence of Almighty God." As such, God sent His angel Raphael; his mission was both to heal Tobit's eyes and to drive out a demon.


Saint Gabriel, pray for us.
Saint Michael, pray for us.
Saint Raphael, pray for us.


Take care, -Jeremy

Posted by Jeremy at 9/29/2008 05:45:00 AM

2 comments:

Don said...

So in my call to ministry class, we're pretty much supposed to look for priest, prophet, and king in everything.

Raphael-priest
Gabriel-prophet
Michael-king

Am I on to something... or no?

9/29/2008 1:24 PM
Jeremy said...

Interesting thought, Don.

Raphael is the healer "God;s Remedy." There could be something here with the idea of priest - heal and sanctify the soul.

Gabriel is "the strength of God." A prophet must be strong - often needing to stand up against his own people and call them to change.

Michael, "he who is like the Lord," could be thought of as a King. A king defends his people against the enemy; similarly does Michael protect God's people.

9/30/2008 9:14 PM

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