The Feast of the Archangels
with ORO VALENTIO
September 29th
The Feast of the Holy Archangels celebrates the three archangels whose names have been revealed in Sacred Scripture: St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael. Throughout salvation history, God has entrusted these powerful heavenly messengers with unique missions, reminding us that Heaven is not distant or indifferent, but actively engaged in God’s loving plan for humanity.
St. Michael is the great defender of God’s people and the leader of the heavenly armies. His name means, “Who is like God?” and serves as a powerful reminder that no force of darkness can prevail against the Lord. Catholics invoke St. Michael for protection, courage, and spiritual strength in times of temptation and trial.
St. Gabriel is the messenger of God’s greatest announcements. It was Gabriel who appeared to the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Annunciation, proclaiming that she would become the Mother of the Savior. Through his example, we are reminded to listen attentively to God’s voice and respond with faith and trust.
St. Raphael, whose name means “God heals,” appears in the Book of Tobit as a guide, protector, and healer. He reminds us that God accompanies us on every journey, bringing healing, wisdom, and divine providence into our lives.
The Feast of the Holy Archangels invites us to reflect on the reality of the spiritual world and the constant care God extends through His angelic servants. While angels possess extraordinary power and beauty, they exist solely to glorify God and assist in His work of salvation. Their lives point beyond themselves to the majesty of the One they serve.
This feast is also a reminder that we are never alone. In moments of uncertainty, spiritual struggle, or important decisions, the holy angels stand ready to assist those who call upon them. Their presence encourages us to remain faithful, courageous, and attentive to God’s will.
As we honor St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael, may we grow in confidence that God watches over His people with both visible and invisible help. May the Holy Archangels defend us in battle, guide us in truth, heal us in our weakness, and lead us ever closer to the Heart of Christ.
How many Archangels are there?
Many people believe there are seven archangels because Scripture itself points to the existence of a special group of seven angels who stand before the throne of God. In the Book of Tobit, Raphael identifies himself as “one of the seven angels who stand before the Lord,” while the Book of Revelation repeatedly refers to seven angels entrusted with significant heavenly missions. These passages have led generations of believers to conclude that there are seven principal heavenly messengers who occupy a unique place in God’s divine order. Over the centuries, ancient Jewish and Christian writings proposed names for the remaining angels, most notably in texts such as the Book of Enoch, where figures like Uriel, Raguel, Sariel, and Remiel appear alongside Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. The reason for caution is not that these names are necessarily false, but that they come from sources outside the books of Scripture universally recognized as divinely inspired. While these ancient traditions may preserve authentic insights, there is no definitive way to verify them with the same certainty as the names God chose to reveal directly in Scripture. This distinction invites a spirit of humility. We can reasonably believe that seven great angels stand before God’s throne, yet acknowledge that Heaven has not clearly revealed everything about them. In this way, the mystery itself becomes meaningful: rather than seeking certainty where none has been given, we are invited to trust that God has disclosed everything necessary for our salvation while allowing some aspects of the heavenly realm to remain veiled in divine wisdom. What has been revealed is already extraordinary—that God governs creation not only through visible means, but through powerful spiritual beings who worship Him, carry out His will, and watch over His people.
Traditions for the Feast of the Archangels
Lighting Candles
Many people light candles during prayer as a reminder of God’s presence and the light of Heaven. Special intentions may be offered for protection, guidance, healing, and faithfulness.
Praying to the Holy Archangels
Spend time praying to St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael, asking for their intercession and reflecting on their roles in salvation history.
Attending Mass
The Feast of the Holy Archangels is traditionally celebrated by attending Mass and giving thanks for the protection and assistance of God’s holy angels.
Acts of Courage and Charity
Honor the feast through acts of service, generosity, or courage. The angels constantly serve God’s will, inspiring us to do the same in our daily lives.
Fasting or Spiritual Discipline
Some choose to observe the day with fasting, extra prayer, or another spiritual discipline as a way of deepening their devotion and dependence on God.
Scripture and Reflection
Read passages associated with the archangels and angelic ministry, such as Daniel, Tobit, Luke 1, and Revelation. Reflect on God’s providence and protection throughout your life.
Creating a Sacred Space
Prepare a quiet place for prayer with candles, a Bible, a crucifix, or sacred images. This can help create an atmosphere of reverence and reflection.
Family Prayer
Gather with family or friends to pray together, read Scripture, or discuss the lives and missions of the holy archangels.
Offering Personal Intentions
Take time to write down your intentions and place them before God in prayer, asking for wisdom, healing, protection, and guidance.
Ending with Gratitude
Conclude the day by thanking God for His blessings, for the ministry of His holy angels, and for His constant care throughout your life.
Through the Intercession of the Holy Archangels...
Dear Father in Heaven, through the intercession of the holy Archangels and all the Angels of Heaven,
St. Michael, please protect all that we have and help us gain all that God wills for us.
St. Raphael, please unite us with those whom God wills and let us have affection for only that which God wills.
St. Gabriel, please open the paths of communication between us and Heaven, and between Heaven and the world, and protect us from all evil interference.
Mary, Sweet Mother, please weave every fine, delicate golden thread into a beautiful masterpiece of God’s holy will.
All Holy Angels and Saints, especially the Holy Innocents, please bring our special intentions before the Lord our God, that, if it be His will, He may graciously grant them to us.
Amen.
Feast of the Archangels Cake and Atmosphere Ideas
Where style, memory, and celebration meet.
This section is meant to be more than Cake Decorating Ideas… it’s designed to spark inspiration and creativity, awaken tradition, and infuse your special occasions with style, identity, and atmosphere. A color palette becomes a theme. A design becomes a mood. Simple details—like sugared holly leaves or shimmering stars—can set the tone for a gathering and become part of cherished traditions and lasting memories melded with personal touch and love.
Traditional Dishes for the Feast of the Archangels
Main Dishes (Strength & Celebration)
1. Roast Goose (Michaelmas Tradition)
A classic dish tied to the feast, symbolizing provision and protection. Traditionally served with apples or herbs, it represents abundance and gratitude.
2. Roast Chicken or Turkey with Herbs
A more accessible alternative to goose, seasoned with rosemary, thyme, and garlic—symbolizing strength and grounding.
3. Herb-Crusted Lamb
Rich and elegant, lamb represents sacrifice, purity, and leadership, aligning beautifully with the archangels’ authority.
Side Dishes (Harmony & Nourishment)
4. Roasted Root Vegetables
(Carrot, parsnip, sweet potato, beet)
These represent grounding and stability, tying the feast to the harvest season.
5. Rustic Bread with Olive Oil or Butter
Bread symbolizes sustenance and unity—perfect for a shared table.
6. Autumn Grain Dish (Wild Rice or Barley Pilaf)
A hearty, earthy side that reflects wisdom and endurance.
Fresh & Light Elements (Clarity & Renewal)
7. Apple and Walnut Salad
Apples are deeply tied to Michaelmas tradition. Combined with walnuts, this dish represents wisdom and renewal.
8. Fig and Honey Plate
Figs symbolize spiritual awareness, while honey reflects divine sweetness and blessing.
Desserts (Joy & Completion)
9. Honey Cake
A traditional, symbolic dessert representing abundance, blessing, and celebration.
10. Apple Pie or Baked Apples
A staple of the harvest season—comforting, warm, and timeless.
11. Almond Pastries
Almonds often symbolize watchfulness and divine awareness, fitting for a feast honoring heavenly beings.
Drinks (Elevation & Fellowship)
12. Spiced Cider
Warm apple cider with cinnamon and cloves—perfect for a harvest feast atmosphere.
13. Red Wine or Grape Juice
Symbolic of life, covenant, and celebration.
14. Herbal Tea (Chamomile, Mint, or Sage)
Represents peace, clarity, and restoration.
Optional: “Seven Dish” Symbolic Meal
To make it even more meaningful, you could serve exactly seven dishes, each representing an archangel:
Protein (Michael – strength)
Bread (Gabriel – truth shared)
Healing herbs/greens (Raphael – healing)
Light dish like fruit (Uriel – illumination)
Balanced dish like grains (Raguel – harmony)
Simple disciplined dish (Selaphiel – restraint)
Sweet dessert (Remiel – hope & renewal)
