Saint Gabriel the Archangel
by VP
Posted on Sunday March 24, 2024 at 12:00AM in Saints
Saint Gabriel, the Archangel, El Greco
"The name Gabriel signifies the strength of God, and well becomes the holy archangel, whose feast we celebrate this day; inasmuch as he was the chosen ambassador of God, in the greatest of mysteries, the Incarnation of His divine Son. He had been sent long before to the prophet Daniel, to announce to him the mysterious period of seventy weeks, which were to elapse from the going forth of the decree for rebuilding Jerusalem, to the coming of the world's Redeemer. Thus this holy archangel was sent early to announce the great mystery of the Incarnation.
Again we find St. Gabriel appearing to Zachary in the temple, to bring him the good tidings of the approaching birth of St. John the Baptist. He was the great precursor of the Messias; and St. Gabriel was sent to announce his nativity, on account of the intimate connexion between that event and the Incarnation of the Son of God.
But the greatest and most solemn embassy of the archangel Gabriel, was at the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary; when he was sent to declare the adorable counsels of God to her, and solicit her consent to become the mother of the incarnate Son of God. He was sent to the city of Nazareth, to the Blessed Virgin, to declare to her the joyful tidings that she was chosen to be the Mother of the Son of God, and to bring forth the long-expected and promised Messias. The heavenly messenger, entering her house, saluted her with great reverence, and said to her: "Hail full of grace, the Lord is with thee." Having removed her trouble and surprise at this salutation, he told her of the great mystery to be performed in her, and that she should conceive, and bring forth the Son of God. Having delivered this message, and received her consent, he departed: and by the ineffable operation of the Holy Ghost, she conceived the Saviour of the world. The most exalted commission was here given to St. Gabriel; and he was sent to treat of the most important affair which the world had ever witnessed.
Beseech this holy archangel to obtain for you to be duly penetrated with these sacred mysteries, of which he was the august messenger from God to man. Pray that you may faithfully accomplish the will of God, and be at all times sweetly united to Him. Pray that you may ever walk in His holy presence, and lead the lives of angels on earth, that so you may be associated with those pure spirits hereafter." The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John Gother
"’Twas you, Gabriel, that taught us the salutation with which we should greet Mary full of grace. You were the first to pronounce these sublime words, which you brought from Heaven. The children of the Church are now, day and night, repeating these words of yours. Pray for us that we may say them in such a manner as that our Blessed Mother may find them worthy of her acceptance.
Angel of Strength, Friend of Mankind, relent not in your ministry of aiding us. We are surrounded by terrible enemies. Our weakness makes them bold. Come to our assistance, get us courage. Pray for us during these days of conversion and penance. Obtain for us the knowledge of all we owe to God in consequence of that ineffable mystery of the Incarnation of which you were the first witness. We have forgotten our duties to the Man-God, and we have offended Him: enlighten us, that so, henceforth, we may be faithful to His teachings and examples. Raise up our thoughts to the happy abode where you dwell. Assist us to merit the places left vacant by the fallen Angels, for God has reserved them for His elect among men.
Pray, Gabriel, for the Church Militant, and defend her against the attacks of Hell. The times are evil. The spirits of malice are let loose, nor can we make stand against them unless with God’s help. It is by His holy Angels that He gives victory to His Spouse. Be thou, Strength of God, foremost in the ranks. Drive heresy back, keep schism down, foil the false wisdom of men, frustrate the policy of the world, arouse the well-minded from apathy that thus, the Christ whom you announced may reign over the Earth He has redeemed, and that we may sing together with you and the whole angelic choir: Glory be to God! Peace to men!" Dom Gueranger
Prayer to the Holy Angels for Parishes
All you legions and choirs of Angels,
please make haste to come to the aid and defense of our One Holy Roman
Catholic Church. Led by St. Michael, may She be protected from
destruction within by all modernistic attempts that try to diminish the
true presence of God and take away His proper and due respect! In
particular, come to the aid of my parish (name your parish) that it may
remain or be remade to be a place of reverence and a stronghold from
which the One True Triune God may continue to lead and strengthen us.
Amen.
