Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

Come, let us worship the Lord in the presence of the angels. 

--Antiphon from today's morning prayer of the Church.

Today is the Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels. St. Michael is one of my favorite saints, as both my guys are named after him in one way or the other.  Michael is a very powerful help in spiritual warfare.  His prayer used to be prayed at the end of every Mass.

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in the day of battle.  
Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. 
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, 
and do thou, oh prince of the heavenly host, 
by the powe of God, 
cast into Hell, Satan, and all the evil spirits, 
that prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. 

Saint Gabriel is the Angel of the Annunciation.  He comes to Zacharias, husband of Elizabeth, to announce that he and Elizabeth will conceive a son in their old age.  Gabriel then appears to Mary to announce to her that a child she will conceive miraculously will be the Messiah.  Theologians beleive that it was Gabriel who appeared to Joseph in a dream, announcing to him that the Son that Mary was carrying, was going to be the chosen one of God.

Saint Raphael appears in the Book of Tobit, sent to heal him from blindness. Theologians also beleive that Raphael is the "angel of the Lord' mentioned in John chapter 5, who descends and stirs the water in the Pool of Bethsaida for healing. He is the patron saint of medical workers.