Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

Today we celebrate together the three archangels the Bible calls by name. Michael — the name is a question, “who is like God?” — appears in Daniel and in Revelation, where he leads the angels against the dragon. He is the commander of the heavenly armies, and he is the patron of paratroopers, police officers and fencers. In Italy his cult has shaped the map: the sanctuary on the Gargano, at Monte Sant’Angelo, is one of the oldest in Europe, and through it runs the line of Saint Michael sanctuaries that reaches all the way to Cornwall. Gabriel — “strength of God” — is the one who brings announcements: to Daniel, to Zechariah in the Temple, and to Mary in Nazareth. He is the patron of those who communicate: mail carriers, telegraph operators, journalists, and since 1951 telecommunications as well. Raphael — “God has healed” — is the protagonist of the Book of Tobit, where he walks beside young Tobias under a false name, Azariah, for the whole journey. He arranges a happy marriage for him, frees the bride, Sarah, from the demon and cures the old father’s blindness. Only at the end, before leaving, does he say who he is. He is the patron of travelers, pharmacists and engaged couples. Until 1969 they had three separate feasts; the calendar reform joined them into this one. If your name is Michael, Gabriel or Raphael, today is your name day.