Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, archangels

Tuesday, Sep. 29, 2026

Location: All Parishes

The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that angels are pure, spiritual beings who have been present since creation to glorify God without ceasing and serve as messengers of his saving plan for humanity. In addition, "from its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession." (nos. 330-350)

Angel, which comes from the Latin "angelus" and the Greek "angelos," is a "messenger, envoy; one that announces." Archangels are one of the nine choirs of angels listed in the Bible. The hierarchy of angels ranked from lowest to highest fall into the following classes: 1.) angels, 2.) archangels, 3.) principalities, 4.) powers, 5.) virtues, 6.) dominations, 7.) thrones, 8.) cherubim; and 9.) seraphim.

We celebrate the feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, archangels on Sept. 29. They are the only angels mentioned by name in the Bible. St. Michael is the only one described as an archangel, but Sacred Tradition and the liturgy of the Church attribute the same title to Sts. Gabriel and Raphael.