THE HOLY ANGELS OF GOD
The presence of the holy angels in the events of our lives should not surprise us. It is a truth of faith that angels exist and that they are purely spiritual beings, that they have intelligence and will, that, as purely spiritual beings, they are personal and immortal. Our faith teaches us to trust them, to invoke them in our needs and to ask for their intercession before the throne of God's glory, to which they constantly have access. Many are the passages in the Old and New Testaments where angels are mentioned, and they are shown to be very active in their task of protecting and guiding us, serving at the same time as messengers between God and men, always attentive to the voice and commands of the Most High.
“The name angel indicates his office, not his nature; by his nature he is a spirit, by what he does, he is an angel.” (Saint Augustine).
In its liturgy, the Church associates itself with the angels to give honor to God and adore him and constantly invokes their assistance, keeping in mind that they are united to God through the full love that is born from the contemplation of the Holy Trinity, that is the most sublime manifestation of adoration. They celebrate in heaven what the Church celebrates on earth united to the mystery of the holiness of the one who is three times holy.
The Church honors in a particular way, through liturgical worship, the three angels who are named in Sacred Scripture. They are: Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Their memory is commemorated on September 29.
HOLY ARCHANGELS MICHAEL, GABRIEL AND RAPHAEL IN THE WORK OF LOVE AND REDEMPTION
On our path of giving, we recognize that we are constantly accompanied and sustained by the grace of God. It is the same Holy Spirit that makes it possible for us to live in fidelity to God, making our lives bear great fruits of salvation for ourselves and for our brothers. But we must not forget that by our side also walk the holy angels who are sent by God to all men and especially to those who fulfill a mission in the Church. Our mission as pilgrims is to walk in fidelity to God through the charism that has been given to us: giving as a path to sanctification and the offering of oneself for the salvation of souls. This mission is aided, supported and sustained especially by the Holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. That is why we must entrust ourselves to them and invoke them, always knowing that the Father has placed this singular force at our side to help us persevere sustained in faith, hope and love.
The Work of love and redemption, as a force of spiritual union, unites us with all the men and women of the world who are on their way to the eternal homeland and entrusts itself especially to the help of the three holy Archangels.
Let us join them in these nine days asking them to intercede for us, for the Work of love and redemption, for the Church and for the whole world. Let us prepare to celebrate their feast united with all the Church.
