29 September is Michaelmas Day, the feast of St Michael and All Angels. Three angels are named in the Bible: Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. They are depicted as beloved messengers of God. Michael, which means, ‘Who is like God?’, is portrayed as protector of Israel and leader of the armies of God, best known as the slayer of the dragon in the Book of Revelation. Gabriel, which means ‘The Strength of God’ is the one who, according to Luke’s Gospel, is sent by God to Mary to announce the birth of Christ. Raphael means ‘The Healing of God’ and is depicted in the Book of Tobit (in the Apocrypha) as the one who restores sight to Tobit’s eyes…
