Scripture and Tradition are clear about the existence of the angels. And even Though Scripture mentions the angels over 200 times, only these three are mentioned by name.
In the book of Daniel, Michael stands guard over the nation of Israel. Michael is also a great defender of God’s Holy Church.
There’s a story that in 590 the Roman populace had begun revering pagan idol in the Church of Santa Agatha and this displeased God that a plague began to run through the city. Hearing of this idolatry the pope lead a procession to the Church and upon arriving, the idol miraculously fell apart with a clap of thunder. Returning to St. Peter’s, the Pope had a vision of an archangel atop the ancient tomb of the Emperor Hadrian, wiping blood from his sword, as if it was through the angel’s intervention that the idol had been destroyed and the plague was at its end.
This story inspired Pope Leo X to commission the large statue of St. Michael which stands atop Hadrian’s Tomb in Rome today, which is also known as Castel San Angelo.
Idolatry and Plague. I can’t help but think of how just a few months before the COVID outbreak, there were these strange stories of the Pachamama idols being revered in Rome. St. Michael should certainly be invoked in defeating the evil of the COVID pandemic, and also whatever human evils may have contributed to its spread.
Gabriel too, whose name means “God is mighty” and Raphael, whose name means “God’s healing”, should be invoked often. For God allowed us to know the name of these three angels because he wants us to call upon them for help. Each of these three archangels have been given special roles in salvation history and those roles continue.
The archangels have a special role in the spiritual warfare of the Church, a warfare against the powers and principalities which have made themselves enemies of God and the Church. May the holy archangels watch over and guide us, and help us to be faithful in the great task of laboring for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
That through the intercession of the archangels, God’s holy ministers and God’s holy Church may be protected from the all of the deceptions of the enemy. Let us pray to the Lord.
That through the intercession of the Archangels, all modern forms of idolatry may be struck down. Let us pray to the Lord.
That through the intercession of the Archangels, plague and pandemic may be defeated. Let us pray to the Lord.
That through the intercession of the Archangels, may God’s healing remedies be dispensed to all who suffer from loneliness or sickness. Let us pray to the Lord.
That through the intercession of the Archangels, may God’s strength be with all those who work for the Spread of the Gospel. Let us pray to the Lord.
That through the intercession of the Archangels, may all Christians may seek that conversion of heart in conforming themselves to the life of Christ. Let us 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. Let us pray to the Lord.
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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