FEAST OF SAINTS MICHAEL; GABRIEL AND RAPHAEL, ARCHANGELS

MONDAY OF THE TWENTY-SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: SEPTEMBER 29, 2025

FEAST OF SAINTS MICHAEL; GABRIEL AND RAPHAEL, ARCHANGELS | SEPTEMBER 29TH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint Gabriel the Archangel, and Saint Raphael the Archangel | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-29th/)

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | September 29, 2025 | “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-daily-mass-september-29-2025/

NOVENA TO SAINT THÉRÈSE OF LISIEUX – THE LITTLE FLOWER: DAY 8: The 2025 Novena to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 22nd, and end on September 30th in preparation for her Feast day on October 1st. | Link to Novena to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux – The Little Flower | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-saint-therese-of-lisieux-the-little-flower/

Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

JUBILEE OF HOPE 2025: JUBILEE PRAYER | Link to the prayer of the Jubilee of Hope 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/08/the-jubilee-prayer/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family.

Today, we celebrate the special Feast of the Three Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael! Saint Michael, whose name means “Who is like God?”, is the leader of the heavenly host and champion of God’s people. He fought against Satan. St. Gabriel, whose name means “God is my strength”, is God’s herald of salvation. He announced to Zachariah the forthcoming birth of John the Baptist and to Mary, the birth of Jesus. Saint Raphael, whose name means “God heals”, is best known from the Book of Tobit. He took care of Tobias on his journey. May the Archangels intercede for us all. Amen. Holy Archangels ~ Pray for us🙏🏽

Yesterday, the Church marked Priesthood Sunday, a day to honor and pray for the men who have given their lives in service to Christ and His Church. We joyfully unite this intention with today’s feast of the Archangels. As we call upon Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael for protection, guidance, and healing, we also entrust our priests to their intercession. May Saint Michael defend them in their spiritual battles, Saint Gabriel strengthen them to proclaim the Gospel with courage, and Saint Raphael bring them healing and peace in their ministry. We give thanks for the gift of our priests, pray for more vocations, and ask God to continue to bless, guide, and protect them in their sacred calling. 🙏🏽

We pray for our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, for Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Seminarians, and all Religious. May the Lord bless their ministry, keep them faithful, and fill them with joy in serving His people. Let us also pray for more vocations, especially among the youth, that the mission of Christ may continue to flourish in the Church.

A Prayer for Priests
Gracious and loving God, we thank you for our priests, through whom we experience your presence in the sacraments. We pray that you strengthen them in their vocation and fill their souls with love for your people. Grant them wisdom, understanding, and strength to follow Jesus and inspire them with the vision of your Kingdom. Give them the words to spread the Gospel and allow them to find joy in their ministry, becoming instruments of your divine grace. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Eternal Priest. Amen 🙏🏽

“You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” ~ Hebrews 7:17

Saint John Vianney (the Curé of Ars), Patron Saint of Priests ~ Pray for us 🙏🏽

Today, Monday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time. We joyfully thank God for the gift of this month, September, and thank Him for the gift of life! Lord Almighty, we thank You for granting us your grace and favor and we entrust every day of this month into Your loving hands. May September be a season of renewal, hope, and abundant blessings for us and our families. We continue to pray for all families and for the safety and well-being of children all over the world, especially those beginning the new school year. Bless those who will celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, new opportunities, and milestones this month, and be near to those who carry heavy burdens in their hearts.

On this special feast day, through the intercession of the Saint(s) we celebrate today, we humbly pray for the poor, abandoned, and those in need, for all those who are marginalized in our society. For those who are imprisoned, especially those who are unjustly imprisoned. We lift charitable organizations, asking God’s blessing upon their mission. We pray for those who fight for truth, peace, justice, love, and unity in our families and our world. May God protect us all and keep us safe and united in peace, love and faith. Amen 🙏🏽

Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary on this special Feast day, we ask for healing for the sick and dying, especially those who are suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases, strength for the weary, peace in troubled homes, and provision for all in need. Guide our steps in righteousness, protect us from harm, and fill our hearts with faith, joy, and gratitude. May this month draw us closer to Your will, and may every day be a testimony of Your goodness and mercy in our lives. We begin this month with trust in Your unfailing love, Lord, and we surrender all that lies ahead into Your hands. Amen 🙏🏾

We continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the Cardinals, Bishops, all Priests, that they be sanctified in their ministry to God’s people. We pray for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world suffering from political and religious unrest.

Through the intercession of St. Joseph, we pray for all fathers, mothers, workers, and all those who labor in this world. May the Lord bless the work of their hands, and may God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of Ordinary Time. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and grace-filled month of September. 🙏🏽

We remember in prayer all who began this journey of life with us but are no longer here. We pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our loved ones who recently passed away, and we continue to pray for the souls in Purgatory; lost souls. For the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” ~ Matthew 5:4

PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen🙏🏽

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ… Amen 🙏🏽 ✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯

LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of September | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-september/

COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Monday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels | September 29, 2025
Reading 1: Daniel 7:9–10, 13–14 or Revelation 12:7–12ab
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 138:1–2ab, 2cde–3, 4–5
Gospel: John 1:47–51

Gospel Reading ~ John 1:47–51

“Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.’”

“Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, ‘Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.’ Nathanael said to him, ‘How do you know me?’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.’ Nathanael answered him, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.’ And he said to him, ‘Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.’”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reveals to Nathanael that His knowledge goes beyond human understanding. He sees into the depths of our hearts, recognizing authenticity and sincerity of faith. Nathanael, who doubted at first, proclaims Jesus as the Son of God after experiencing His divine insight. Jesus, however, promises that this is only the beginning His disciples will witness even greater revelations of God’s glory, culminating in His death, Resurrection, and the heavenly vision of the Angels ascending and descending upon Him, the Son of Man. This passage reminds us that Christ Himself is the ladder between heaven and earth, the bridge uniting humanity with God, and the one through whom we encounter the fullness of divine truth. The feast of the Archangels deepens this message. Michael, the defender against evil, Gabriel, the messenger of God’s saving plan, and Raphael, the healer, all point us to the reality of God’s providence and care. Their roles in salvation history remind us that God is constantly working through His messengers to protect, guide, and strengthen us. Just as Nathanael was invited to deeper faith, we too are invited to trust in God’s presence and His angelic guardianship, knowing that heaven itself is open to us through Christ.

One of the primary roles of Angels in the Scriptures is that of messenger. They function as God’s messengers to people. Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael all played that role in the Scriptures. They made God present to people. To that extent the Angels bridged the gap between heaven and earth. The primary and unique messenger of God to us is, of course, Jesus. He, more than any Angel, has bridged the gap between heaven and earth. That seems to be the meaning of the words of Jesus to Nathanael in today’s Gospel reading, ‘I tell you most solemnly, you will see heaven laid open and, above the Son of Man, the Angels of God ascending and descending’. In the Book of Genesis, Jacob had a dream of a ladder connecting heaven and earth with Angels ascending and descending on it; it was a vision of heaven and earth meeting. Jesus declares that now the Angels are descending and ascending upon Him; He is the one in whom heaven and earth meet. In looking at the face of Jesus we are looking into heaven, we are looking at the face of God. That is why Jesus and not the Angels are at the centre of our faith. That is why Jesus could say to His disciples, and to us, in one of the other Gospels, ‘Blessed are the eyes that see what you see’. Jesus brings the role of the Angels to completion and perfects their mediating role. The Angels point us in the direction of Jesus who, according to the letter to the Hebrews,’ is as much superior to the Angels as the name He has inherited is more excellent than theirs’. In thanking God for the Angels today, we thank Him even more for the one towards whom they point, God’s Son who has brought God to us in a way that no Angel ever has done or could do.

Reflecting on the first reading from Daniel, we glimpse the majesty of the “Ancient One” seated on His fiery throne, and the “Son of Man” receiving everlasting dominion and glory. This vision proclaims Christ as the eternal King, whose kingdom will never be destroyed. Or in the alternate passage from Revelation, we witness the great battle in heaven, where Michael and his angels defeat the dragon, symbolizing Satan’s fall. Both passages remind us that Christ has ultimate authority, and evil cannot prevail against God’s Kingdom.

The responsorial psalm captures the fitting response: “In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.” It is a psalm of gratitude, acknowledging God’s faithful love and His nearness to those who call upon Him. In the presence of angels who constantly worship before God’s throne, we too are invited to join in giving thanks, not only in prayer but through lives that reflect God’s glory.

As we reflect and meditate on the Sacred Scriptures today, we are challenged to ask ourselves: Am I like Nathanael, sincere and open before God, even when I wrestle with doubts? Do I recognize Christ as the true ladder between heaven and earth, the one who reveals God’s glory to me? Do I call upon the angels in prayer, asking for their intercession, protection, and guidance in my spiritual journey? How can I, like the archangels, defend truth, bring God’s message of hope, and be an instrument of healing in the lives of others? The feast of the Archangels reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. God has given us heavenly helpers who stand beside us as protectors, messengers, and healers. But even more importantly, we are reminded that in Christ, heaven has already been opened to us. Let us remain faithful, trusting in the Lord’s promises, praising Him in the sight of the angels, and living as witnesses of His eternal Kingdom. May God, in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and strengthen us in faith, defend us from evil, and guide us to everlasting life. 🙏🏽

Lord Jesus, You are the Son of God and King of Israel, the bridge between heaven and earth. As we celebrate the feast of Your holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, we ask for their intercession in our lives. Defend us against the powers of evil, bring us the message of hope and truth, and heal us from the wounds of sin and suffering. May we remain sincere and steadfast in faith like Nathanael, ready to follow You wherever You lead. Open our eyes to see Your glory and give us hearts that sing Your praises in the sight of the angels. Amen 🙏🏽

FEAST OF SAINTS MICHAEL, GABRIEL, AND RAPHAEL, ARCHANGELS ~ FEAST DAY: SEPTEMBER 29TH: Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, the Archangels who stand before the throne of God as His messengers, defenders, and healers. Through their intercession and the maternal care of our Blessed Mother Mary, we entrust ourselves to God’s protection and guidance. On this feast day, we pray for the safety of police officers, soldiers, and all who defend peace; for communications workers and all who spread truth; for travelers and those far from home; and for healthcare workers, the sick, and the dying, especially those suffering from cancer or terminal illness. We lift up the souls in Purgatory and the faithful departed, widows and widowers, the poor and marginalized. We also pray for peace, love, and unity within families and in the world, and we commend the Holy Father, bishops, clergy, religious, and seminarians to God, asking for more vocations, perseverance for persecuted Christians, and the conversion of sinners. May these holy Archangels strengthen us in faith and remind us that God has given us heavenly protectors to guide our earthly journey. Amen 🙏🏽

Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | September 29th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint Gabriel the Archangel, and Saint Raphael the Archangel | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-29th/)

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL: Saint Michael, whose name means “Who is like God?”, is the leader of the heavenly host and champion of God’s people. In Scripture, he appears as the defender of Israel (Daniel 10 & 12), the protector against Satan (Revelation 12:7–9), and the one who leads souls at the hour of judgment (Jude 1:9). Tradition honors him as the guardian of the Church and protector of humanity from the snares of the devil. His fourfold mission is to fight against Satan, assist the dying, be the defender of God’s people, and guide souls to eternal life. Invoked for protection in times of temptation, danger, and battle, Saint Michael remains a source of courage for Christians in their spiritual struggles. He is the patron of police officers, soldiers, emergency workers, mariners, the sick, and all who seek protection from evil.

Prayer to Saint Michael: St. 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, cast into hell Satan and all evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen 🙏🏽

SAINT GABRIEL THE ARCHANGEL: Saint Gabriel, whose name means “God is my strength”, is God’s herald of salvation. In the Old Testament, he explained Daniel’s visions (Daniel 9:21–27). In the New Testament, he appeared to Zechariah to announce the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:11) and to the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Annunciation, declaring her full of grace and chosen to bear the Son of God (Luke 1:26–38). Christian tradition holds that Gabriel also comforted Jesus in Gethsemane and may have been the angel who announced His Resurrection. He is the patron of messengers, diplomats, broadcasters, postal workers, and all who serve in communication. Saint Gabriel teaches us to listen attentively for God’s voice and courageously share His message of salvation.

Prayer to Saint Gabriel: Heavenly Messenger, Saint Gabriel, strengthen us to hear God’s Word and proclaim it with courage. Inspire us to trust in God’s plan, as you encouraged Mary, and guide all who work to spread truth and hope in the world. Amen 🙏🏽

SAINT RAPHAEL THE ARCHANGEL: Saint Raphael, whose name means “God heals”, is best known from the Book of Tobit. Disguised as a traveler, he guided young Tobias on a perilous journey, bound the demon Asmodeus, secured a holy marriage with Sarah, and restored Tobit’s sight (Tobit 3–12). Revealing his identity, Raphael proclaimed himself one of the seven angels who stand before God (Tobit 12:15). Tradition also associates him with the healing waters of John 5:4. Raphael’s mission is one of healing, guidance, and mercy. He is the patron of travelers, the blind, the sick, physicians, nurses, and those seeking happy meetings. Through him, we are reminded that God’s providence heals not only bodies but also hearts and families.

Prayer to Saint Raphael: Blessed Raphael, Angel of healing and companion on the journey, guide us safely along life’s path, protect travelers, comfort the sick, and bring God’s mercy to the brokenhearted. May we be instruments of healing and peace wherever God sends us. Amen 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint Gabriel the Archangel, and Saint Raphael the Archangel ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾

GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/general-prayers-and-intentions/

Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation, and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/daily-reflections-and-prayer-links/

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER: For our relationship with all of creation. Let us pray that, inspired by Saint Francis, we might experience our interdependence with all creatures who are loved by God and worthy of love and respect.

(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER | MONTH OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS: September is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, inviting us to unite our hearts with Mary in her profound sharing of Christ’s Passion. As Simeon foretold, “a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:35), and throughout her life Mary endured deep sorrows that culminated at Calvary. In her silent strength and unwavering faith, she became the compassionate Mother of all Christians, offering her suffering with Christ for the salvation of the world.

This month, the Church calls us to meditate on the Seven Sorrows of Mary: Simeon’s prophecy, the Flight into Egypt, the loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple, meeting Jesus on the way to Calvary, standing at the foot of the Cross, receiving His lifeless Body, and placing Him in the tomb. By reflecting on these sorrows, we learn patience in trials, compassion for the suffering, and a deeper love for Jesus who suffered for us.

Prayers such as the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows, the Rosary of Our Lady of Sorrows, and the Litany of Our Lady of Sorrows help us to walk with Mary in her suffering and to discover hope and consolation in her maternal heart.

“Most Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, teach us to stand with you at the Cross, sharing in Christ’s love and redemptive sacrifice.”

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us. Amen 🙏🏾

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540

PRAYER INTENTIONS: On this feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels, we lift up our hearts in prayer. We ask God to strengthen His Church and protect her from every attack of evil. May Saint Michael defend those in harm’s way, soldiers, police officers, and all who safeguard peace. May Saint Gabriel inspire truth in the hearts of leaders, communicators, and all who spread God’s Word. May Saint Raphael bring healing to the sick, comfort to the suffering, and safe passage to travelers. We pray for peace in our world, unity in families, and protection for persecuted Christians. May the Archangels guide us in our journey of faith and draw us closer to Christ, who reigns in glory forever.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of our priests, and all who have served our parish. Strengthen them with faith, hope, and love, and fill them with the joy of their ministry. May the Holy Spirit guide their hearts, and may Our Lady, Mother of Priests, protect and intercede for them always. Amen. 🙏🏾

LET US PRAY:

Most glorious Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, please do come to my aid. I entrust myself, my family, our Church and the entire world to your loving mediation. Please bring forth God’s grace into our lives, communicate God’s Word and His holy Will, protect us from all harm and bring healing to those in need. Angels of God, pray for us. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

Heavenly Father, You send forth Your angels as messengers of Your love, protectors of Your people, and healers of our wounds. Through the intercession of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, guard us from every danger, strengthen us in faith, and grant us peace in our homes and communities. May their presence remind us of Your constant care and lead us to trust in Your providence always. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint Gabriel the Archangel, and Saint Raphael the Archangel ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽

Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day, and during this gentle rhythm of Ordinary Time, may our hearts remain open to the quiet working of the Holy Spirit who continues to guide, renew, and strengthen us each day. May this month be filled with blessings, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ walks with us always. Alleluia! Have a blessed, safe, and fruitful Monday, and a fulfilling month of September🙏🏽

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | https://gliopiepehe.org

Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | Global Missions Now Awards |
https://youtu.be/gB31nuOFx0A?si=mSoZs-wiByhGs

North Texas Catholic Magazine | Dr. Philomena Ikowe – Life on Purpose (pages 44-45) | https://www.flipsnack.com/A9DFE877C6F/north-texas-catholic-magazine-mar-apr-issue-2025/full-view.html