The feast of the three archangels- Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael- will be commemorated on September He is the protector of all humanity from the snares of the devil. Angels—messengers from God—appear frequently in Scripture, but only Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are named.
Devotion to Michael is the oldest angelic devotion, rising in the East in the fourth century. The Church in the West began to observe a feast honoring Michael and the angels in the fifth century.
His best-known appearance is an encounter with a young Jewish girl named Mary, who consents to bear the Messiah. The memorials of Gabriel and Raphael were added to the Roman calendar in Supported by the intercession of blessed Michael, Thine Archangel, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord, that the service we pay with our lips, we may lay hold of with our minds.
O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we call upon your Holy Name, and as supplicants we implore your clemency, that by the intercession of Blessed Mary, ever Virgin Immaculate and our Mother, and of the glorious Archangel St Michael, You would deign to help us against Satan and all other unclean spirits, who roam about the world for the injury of the human race and the ruin of souls.
Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who roam about the world, seeking the ruin of souls.
