Although originally only dedicated to St. Michael, today is the feast day of the named Archangels: St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael. All three Archangels are especially appropriate to 40 Days for Life and it is a blessing that this feast falls when it does!
St. Michael lead the heavenly host against Lucifer (and the angels rebelling with him), banishing them from Paradise. The cry of Lucifer was: “I will be like the Most High!” This sentiment seems to lurk behind many modern activities such as embryonic stem cell research, cloning, abortion, and euthanasia. All of these actions assume powers rightly held by the creator. “I will be like the Most High!”
St Michael's name in Hebrew comes from his cry: “Who is like unto God?” And because of his victory over Lucifer, he was given the highest place among the angels.
St. Gabriel brought the message to the Virgin about God becoming a man (recall this was why Lucifer rebelled- he said “I will not serve” once God revealed He had taken on humanity). Gabriel, along with all creation, held his breath awaiting Our Lady's answer.
St. Raphael helped Tobiah marry Rachel, and brought sight to Tobit. His name means “God Heals” and we pray that St. Raphael can intercede to help everyone see the truth of a tiny humans, and heal everyone who has been hurt by abortion.
Pope Leo XIII had a vision in 1886 and immediately wrote a long prayer in response. He stipulated that a portion of the prayer be said after every Low Mass from then on. Although this practice was stopped in 1965, the prayer has remained in use:
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, cast into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
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