Gabriel wears a blue robe while Michael wears armor and carries a sword and shield. Raphael wears a green robe and carries a staff.

Feast of the Archangels

September 29, 2026

Jump to prayer, menu suggestions, additional idea

Today we celebrate the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Angels are special messengers sent by God, and archangels are set apart because of their crucial roles in the story of our salvation. These three are the only angels given names within Scripture, and we honor them for the unique ways in which they served God as defender, messenger, and healer.  

St Michael’s story is told in the book of Revelation, in which he leads other angels in battle against “the dragon” (12:7). We call on him as a defender against all powers of evil.  

St Gabriel is the angel we find in the story of the Annunciation. Gabriel brings the good news to Mary, and this announcement is where we get our Hail Mary prayer.  

St Raphael is found in the Old Testament book of Tobit, in which he heals Tobit’s blindness.

Gabriel wears a blue robe while Michael wears armor and carries a sword and shield. Raphael wears a green robe and carries a staff.

Prayer for your Table

Holy Father,  
Your divine protection, prophecy, and healing are just a few of the gifts you send to us, your people.  
On this Feast of the Archangels, we thank you for St Michael, who helps to defend us in battle against evils big and small. We thank you for St Gabriel, who carried the news to young Mary of the ultimate gift of your Son. And we thank you for St Raphael, who brings your healing, just as he did for Tobit and Sarah.  
We praise you for the many ways that you make yourself known to us through your angels, and we ask that their gifts would continue to guide us always closer to You.  
In Jesus’ name,  
Amen.  

Alternatively, you could pray the St Michael prayer:  

Holy Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do you, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.  

Menu Suggestions

  • St Michael is usually depicted with a sword in hand as he defeats the devil. What foods at dinner could be speared by a “mini sword” (a toothpick)? Perhaps cut up fruits or veggies or cheese.  
  • You could end your meal with a dessert including angel food cake. 

Additional Idea

  • St Gabriel brought good news to Mary. Ask each family member to share a time when they received good news. 

Upcoming in the Liturgical Year