The Holy Angels

Angels in Scripture, the archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, guardian angels and prayers.

The archangels

Feast: September 29 · CCC 328–336

Saint Michael
“Who is like God?”
Prince of the heavenly host, protector of God's people, who fights against the dragon.
Scripture: Daniel 10:13; Daniel 12:1; Jude 1:9; Revelation 12:7
Saint Gabriel
“Strength of God”
Messenger sent to Daniel, to Zechariah and to the Virgin Mary at the Annunciation.
Scripture: Daniel 8:16; Daniel 9:21; Luke 1:19; Luke 1:26–38
Saint Raphael
“God heals”
One of the seven who stand before the Lord; he guided Tobias and healed Tobit.
Scripture: Tobit 3:17; Tobit 12:15

Guardian angels

From infancy to death human life is surrounded by their watchful care and intercession (CCC 336). Memorial on 2 October.

AI-generated illustration: a guardian angel gently guides a small child along a path at dusk. Classical sacred-art style.

Angels in Scripture

Genesis 3:24 Cherubim guard the way to the tree of life.
Genesis 28:12 Jacob sees angels ascending and descending a ladder.
Psalms 91:11 He will give his angels charge over you.
Isaiah 6:2–3 Seraphim cry “Holy, holy, holy”.
Matthew 18:10 The angels of the little ones always behold the Father's face.
Luke 2:13–14 A multitude of the heavenly host praises God at the Nativity.
Acts 12:7–11 An angel frees Peter from prison.
Hebrews 1:14 Angels are ministering spirits sent to serve.

The nine choirs of angels

Tradition (Pseudo-Dionysius, c. 500), not a defined dogma

Seraphim · Isaiah 6:2
Cherubim · Genesis 3:24
Thrones · Colossians 1:16
Dominions · Colossians 1:16
Virtues · Ephesians 1:21
Powers · Ephesians 1:21
Principalities · Romans 8:38
Archangels · 1 Thessalonians 4:16
Angels · Psalms 91:11

Prayers

Prayer to Saint Michael

Synthetic voice (AI)

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our protection 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, thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Latin

Sancte Michael Archangele, defende nos in proelio; contra nequitiam et insidias diaboli esto praesidium. Imperet illi Deus, supplices deprecamur: tuque, Princeps militiae caelestis, Satanam aliosque spiritus malignos, qui ad perditionem animarum pervagantur in mundo, divina virtute in infernum detrude. Amen.

Scripture: Revelation 12:7–9; Jude 1:9

Public domain Pope Leo XIII (1886), Leonine prayers after Low Mass. Public domain.

Angel of God (Guardian Angel Prayer)

Synthetic voice (AI)

Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom his love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

Latin

Angele Dei, qui custos es mei, me tibi commissum pietate superna, hodie illumina, custodi, rege et guberna. Amen.

Scripture: Matthew 18:10; Psalms 91:11

Public domain Latin: traditional (attributed to Reginald of Canterbury, 11th–12th century). English and Spanish: traditional wordings. Public domain.