Sept. 29: STS. MICHAEL, GABRIEL, AND RAPHAEL, ARCHANGELS. MASS PRAYERS AND PROPER READINGS.
The liturgy celebrates the feast of these three archangels who are venerated in the tradition of the Church. Michael (‘Who is like God?’) was the archangel who fought against Satan and all his evil angels. He is our protector against the devil. Gabriel (‘Strength of God’) announced to Zachariah the coming birth of John the Baptist, and to Mary, the birth of Jesus. Raphael (‘Medicine of God’) is the archangel who took care of Tobias on his journey. Every person on his pilgrimage through this life also has a guardian angel with a mission similar to that of Raphael.
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
Benedícite Dóminum, omnes Ángeli eius; poténtes virtúte, qui fácitis verbum eius, ad audiéndam vocem sermónum eius.
Bless the Lord, all you his angels, mighty in power, fulfilling his word, and heeding his voice.
[–» Greeting]
The Gloria in excelsis (Glory to God in the highest) is said.
COLLECT
O God, who dispose in marvelous order ministries both angelic and human, graciously grant that our life on earth may be defended by those who watch over us as they minister perpetually to you in heaven. Through our Lord.
Proper Readings
READING I
Dn 7:9–10, 13–14 [or Rev 12:7–12ab]
As I watched: Thrones were set up and the Ancient One took his throne. His clothing was bright as snow, and the hair on his head as white as wool; His throne was flames of fire, with wheels of burning fire. A surging stream of fire flowed out from where he sat; Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him, and myriads upon myriads attended him.
The court was convened, and the books were opened. As the visions during the night continued, I saw One like a son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven; When he reached the Ancient One and was presented before him, He received dominion, glory, and kingship; nations and peoples of every language serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, his kingship shall not be destroyed.
[–» Responsorial Psalm]
Or:
Rev 12:7–12ab
War broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, but they did not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. The huge dragon, the ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, who deceived the whole world, was thrown down to earth, and its angels were thrown down with it.
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have salvation and power come, and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of his Anointed. For the accuser of our brothers is cast out, who accuses them before our God day and night. They conquered him by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; love for life did not deter them from death. Therefore, rejoice, you heavens, and you who dwell in them.”
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
In conspéctu angelórum psallam tibi, Dómine.
I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple
and give thanks to your name.
R.
Because of your kindness and your truth;
for you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
R.
All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
when they hear the words of your mouth;
And they shall sing of the ways of the Lord:
“Great is the glory of the Lord.”
R.
ALLELUIA
Benedícite Dómino, omnes virtútes eius, minístri eius, qui fácitis voluntátem eius.
Bless the Lord, all you his angels, his ministers who do his will.
GOSPEL
Jn 1:47–51
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree?
You will see greater things than this.” And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
[–» Creed, Universal Prayer]
[–» Offertory]
PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
We offer you a sacrifice of praise, O Lord, humbly entreating, that as these gifts are borne by the ministry of Angels into the presence of your majesty, you may receive them favorably and make them profitable for our salvation. Through Christ our Lord.
[–» Eucharistic Prayer]
[–» Preface of the Angels]
COMMUNION ANTIPHON
Confitébor tibi, Dómine, in toto corde meo, in conspéctu Angelórum psallam tibi.
I will thank you, Lord, with all my heart; in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise.
[–» Communion]
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Having been nourished upon heavenly Bread, we beseech you humbly, O Lord, that, drawing from it new strength, under the faithful protection of your Angels, we may advance boldly along the way of salvation. Through Christ our Lord.
[–» Concluding Rite]