When we started using the new translation of the missal in
2011, one of my favorite changes was the mention of the different choirs of
angels in the Eucharistic prefaces: “with angels and archangels, with throne and
dominions and with the hosts and powers of heaven, we sing the hymn of your
glory.” Angels, archangels, thrones,
dominions and powers are among the different choirs of angels, along with the
cherubim, seraphim, principalities, and virtues.
The number of angels is nearly countless. Each human being ever
having lived has been given a guardian angel to watch over them. We do not know
the names of even our own guardian angels who watch over our every breath, but
we do know the names of three of the archangels from the holy scriptures:
Archangel Michael, who is revealed to be the special protector of
the people of Israel in the book of Daniel, and who is named as a sort of
general of the angelic host in its warfare against the devil in the book of
Revelation.
Archangel Gabriel also appears in Daniel’s vision, announcing
God’s plan to lay-low the works of the Devil. On behalf of God, Gabriel sought
the consent of the Blessed Virgin of Nazareth in bearing the Messiah who would
bring the definitive defeat of Enemy of God through the cross.
Archangel Raphael accompanies, in the Old Testament book of
Tobit, Tobit’s son Tobias on a very hazardous journey. Along the way, Raphael
cures Tobit of blindness and drives away the demon Azazel who had been
tormenting Tobias’ bride-to-be, Sarah. He also helps to restore the family
fortune.
In the Eucharistic Preface for today’s Mass we hear how “the
honor we pay the angelic creatures in whom God delights redounds to God’s own
surpassing glory.” When we honor the angels, we honor God. And
since God has placed the angels as helpers of the human race, we ought to make
use of their help, by invoking them, and by imitating their virtues.
Pope Leo XIII encouraged us to invoke particularly,
Archangel Michael as a protector of Holy Mother Church and whenever the action
of the Devil is suspected, spiritually or physically harming someone, causing
violent temptations, storms or other calamities.
Pope Leo XIII lived in a time when Masonic, godless,
anti-clerical, anti-church forces were congregating in Europe which were not
only spreading error, but raising arms against Catholic populations. It is well
known that Pope Leo was granted a vision of the supernatural and demonic forces
which spurned this hatred for Catholicism, a vision in which the devil was
given great sway over the earth during the 20th century. And so he
composed the St. Michael prayer, which was to be invoked for the protection of
the Church. We will pray this prayer together at the conclusion of Mass, as was
done for decades following Pope Leo’s vision.
We invoke the archangels and we seek to imitate their
virtues, so that we may always know their protection, that we may be found like
them to be cooperators with the holy will of God, that we may be found, like
them, blameless in His sight, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
For Pope Francis, Bishop Perez, and all Church leaders, that
they may guide the Church to be strong in faith and generous in offering works
of mercy to those in need. We pray to the Lord.
Through the intercession of St. Raphael may all who suffer
from loneliness or sickness know the healing graces of our loving God. We pray to the Lord.
Through the intercession of St. Gabriel, may God’s strength
be with all those who work for the Spread of the Gospel. We pray to the Lord.
Through the intercession of St. Michael, may all who are
persecuted for the faith be protected against the wickedness and snares of the
devil. We pray to the Lord.
For the deceased members of our families, friends, and
parish and all the poor souls in purgatory, for deceased clergy and religious, and for those who have fought
and died for our freedom. We pray.
Heavenly Father, may our prayers rise like a pleasant fragrance
before you and be brought to your altar on high through the hands of your holy
angels. Through Christ Our Lord.
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