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Saint Gabriel the Archangel

Feast: Sept 29

St. Gabriel the Archangel's feast had been celebrated on March 24th until 1921 when it was combined with St. Michael and St. Raphael. His name means "God's strength". St. Gabriel is mentioned four times in the Bible. He appeared to Mary to announce that she would bear Jesus as the Son of God (Luke 1:26). Also, he appeared to Zechariah to announce that Elizabeth was pregnant with John the Baptist (Luke 1:19).

The name Gabriel means "man of God," or "God has shown himself mighty." It appears first in the prophesies of Daniel in the Old Testament. The angel announced to Daniel the prophecy of the 70 weeks. His name also occurs in the apocryphal book of Henoch. He was the angel who appeared to Zachariah to announce the birth of St. John the Baptizer.

Prayer of the Blessed Archangel Gabriel
(Offertory Prayer, Tridentine Roman Missal)

May the offering of our service, O Lord, and the prayer of the blessed Archangel Gabriel be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord; that he whom we venerate on earth, may be our advocate before Thee in heaven. Through Christ our Lord. Amen