Collects of the Three Archangels: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael
Updated: Oct 3
Today the Church honors the three archangels named in Scripture: Michael, the defender who casts down the dragon (Revelation 12:7); Gabriel, who announced the Incarnation to Mary (Luke 1:26); and Raphael, who guided and healed Tobias and said, "I am the angel Raphael, one of the seven, who stand before the Lord" (Tobias 12:15). Before 1969 each had a separate feast; now they are honored together on September 29, the old Michaelmas.
Below are the traditional collects, the opening prayers of Mass, from the older Roman Missal for each archangel's feast, together with the closing prayer of St. Raphael's Mass. Together they ask for all three graces the archangels bring: protection in spiritual battle, a share in the mystery of Christ's coming, and guidance and healing on life's journey.
The Prayer
For St. Michael: O God, who in a wondrous order disposest the ministry of Angels and of men: mercifully grant that they who, ministering, ever stand before Thee in heaven, may protect our lives upon earth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen. For St. Gabriel: O God, who, to announce the mystery of Thine Incarnation, didst from among the other Angels choose the Archangel Gabriel: grant graciously that we who on earth celebrate his festival may feel the benefit of his patronage in heaven. Who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen. For St. Raphael: O God, who didst give blessed Raphael the Archangel unto Thy servant Tobias for a companion on his way: grant that we Thy servants may ever be protected by his guardianship and strengthened by his help. Through our Lord. Amen. Vouchsafe, O Lord God, to send to our help the holy Archangel Raphael: and may he, whom we believe to be ever ministering before Thy Majesty, present our humble prayers for Thy blessing. Through our Lord. Amen.
Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, pray for us.
For Pope Leo XIII's prayer and more prayers for the feast, see St. Michael the Archangel Prayers for Michaelmas. You can also pray the Prayer to St. Gabriel the Archangel and the Prayer to St. Raphael the Archangel.
Sources: Collects of St. Michael (Sept. 29), St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael, and the Postcommunion of St. Raphael, from The Roman Missal Adapted to the Use of the Laity (London, c. 1920 edition reformed under Pope Pius X). Public domain.
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