Michaelmas is upon us again! Time to bring out the angel food cakes, the angel hair pasta, carrots and blackberries, and devil piñatas to bust down with Saint Michaels sword!
Most of us are familiar with the Saint Michael the Archangel prayer, but what about Gabriel and Raphael? Do they have prayers? Are there more than the three named archangels? What is their role and how do we introduce our kids to all three of the named archangels?
For our first stop, lets head to Catholic Answers to learn their role:
So how do we teach our kids about them? We have collected a few toys, icons, and statues to inspire learning about the archangels over the last few years. Here are some of our favorites that are easily ordered:
Shining Light Dolls
Tiny Saints
Icons, statues and sacred art of the archangels are easy to find with a few clicks, or better yet a visit to your local catholic book store!
Here are few Child/family friendly videos to check out featuring the Archangels:
The Saint Michael prayer is one most of us memorize early on. But what about the prayers for the others? Here are the prayers devoted to all three:
Prayer to St. Michael
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 the evil spirits, who prowl around the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Prayer to St. Raphael
O Glorious Archangel St. Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace. You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners. I beg you, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travel. Because you are the “medicine of God” I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul and the its that afflict my body. I especially as of you the favor (special intention), and the great grace of purity to prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayer to St. Gabriel
O Blessed Archangel Gabriel, we beseech thee, do thou intercede for us at the throne of divine Mercy in our present necessities, that as thou didst announce to Mary the mystery of the incarnation, so through thy prayers and patronage in heaven we may obtain the benefits of the same, and sing the praise of God forever in the land of the living. Amen.
Prayer to the Archangels
Heavenly King, You have given us archangels to assist us during our pilgrimage on earth. Saint Michael is our protector; I ask him to come to my aid, fight for all my loved ones, and protect us from danger. Saint Gabriel is a messenger of the Good News; I ask him to help me clearly hear Your voice and to teach me the truth. Saint Raphael is the healing angel; I ask him to take my need for healing and that of everyone I know, life it up to Your throne of grace and deliver us back to the gift of recovery. Help us, O Lord, to realize more fully the reality of archangels and their desire to servers. Holy angels, pray for us. Amen.
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