Saint of Today: Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael
St. Michael is considered as the leader of the forces of Heaven and one of the chief princes. He is revered as above all angels by Greek Fathers and many others as Prince of Seraphim. He has been venerated as patron of the Church from the time of the first Apostles. There are records of his appearances in many places including the Cave of Saint Michael in Italy, the grotto of Saint Michael in Mexico and Mont of Saint Michael in France. His name itself means (in Hebrew) as one who is like God. In the book of Revelation Saint Michael was leading the army of God against the Satan’s forces. He is also interpreted as humility before God. Saint Michael is the patron of grocers, mariners, paratroopers and police. He is also prayed by many people to get cure from sickness especially mental diseases.
St. Gabriel is considered as the messenger of God. His name Gabriel means Man of God. He was the angel who appeared before Zachariah to announce the birth of John the Baptist to Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth. When Zachariah expressed doubts about this prophesy due to his and his wife’s old age, St. Gabriel declared that He is Gabriel, standing before God. St. Gabriel also made Zachariah mute, since Zachariah has not believed the prophesy of the birth of john. Six months later St. Gabriel appeared before the Holy Mary and announced Her about the birth of Jesus by the power of God’s Holy Spirit. Holy Mary immediately accepted the will of God with humility (see Luke 1:1138).St. Gabriel also appeared to Daniel for giving explanation to Daniel’s visions (Daniel 8:1526, 9:2127).In Islam also Gabriel is called by the name “Jibrail” and is believed as the one who revealed the Quran to the Prophet Mohammed.
St. Raphael is one of the seven Arch Angels who stand before God. He was sent by God to help Tobit, Tobiah and Sarah. St. Raphael helped Tobiah through his difficulties and taught him how to safely enter into marriage with Sarah. His name Raphael means God heals. A biblical story says that when the Earth was defiled by the sins of the fallen angels, St. Raphael healed the earth. St. Raphael is also referred to as the angel who stirred the waters of the healing sheep pool. St. Raphael is revered as the patron of the blind, the nurses and physicians. He is also the patron of match makers and travelers.
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