Vatican City, Sep 29, 2017 / 13:13 pm
Christians and angels cooperate "together in God's salvific design," Pope Francis told Catholics in his morning homily, on the Feast of the Archangels: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.
He elaborated, saying that angels serve God by accompanying all people on the path to salvation. Each archangel has a specific role, he explained: protection, annunciation, and guidance.
"Michael is the one who fights against the devil," he said. The archangel Michael aids our resistance against Satan's temptations, and protects us when the devil tries to claim us as his own, Pope Francis said.
Gabriel is the bearer of good news, he continued. "Gabriel too accompanies us and helps us on our journey when we 'forget' the Gospel," he said, noting the archangel's message acts as a reminder that "Jesus came to save us."
Raphael, he said, "walks with us taking care of us on our journey and helping us not take the wrong step."
The Pope encouraged Catholics to call upon the help of the archangels, and concluded by invoking their intercession.
"Michael: help us in our battle – each of us has a battle to fight in our lives; Gabriel: bring us news, bring us the good news of salvation; Raphael: take us by the hand and lead us forward without taking the wrong turning," the Pope prayed. "Always walking forward, but with your help!"