Saints and Angels - Part I

      We have entered into a week of wonderful celebrations of saints and angels who draw us ever closer to the source of our holiness, the Lord himself.

     Sunday, the 27th of September, was celebrated as the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time this year.  But otherwise we would have recognized a saint whose name is well known to us for the work that is accomplished in the Church by those who follow his example - Saint Vincent de Paul.  He was a French priest who lived from 1581 to his death on September 27, 1660 and was dedicated to serving the poor.  He did much to meet the needs spiritually but also physically of those that he met.  He was canonized a saint in 1737.  He is the patron of all works of charity, and through the Vincentian family which includes the Saint Vincent de Paul Societies which are found in our parishes and dioceses as well as the Ladies of Charity, his work continues.  The society is today present in at least 153 countries.

     The 28th finds us remembering a saint whose name is often heard in our Christmas celebrations.  He is Saint Wenceslaus, of the "Good King Wenceslaus" hymn.  Remember?

"Good King Wenceslaus looked out

on the feast of Stephen,

when the snow lay round about,

deep and crisp and even.

Brightly shown the moon that night, 

though the frost was cruel.

When a poor man came in sight

gathering winter fuel."

     Wenceslaus I was the duke of Bavaria from 921 until he was assassinated by his younger brother, Boleslaus, on September 28 in 935.  He was known for his piety and his righteousness, ruling with compassion and concern for all peoples.  Almost immediately from his death he was seen as a martyr for the faith and held in high esteem as a saint.  When you hear or sing the Christmas hymn this year, think of good king Wenceslaus, and pray for the holiness and righteousness of all earthly rulers.

     September 28th commemorates the three Archangels: Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.

      Michael is most popular.  In Hebrew, his name means "Who is like God".  He is the Lord's champion, the one who cast Lucifer from Heaven, who is the guardian of the Faith and defender against heresies.  The Prayer of Saint Michael has regained popularity in our day, seeking his protection in our battle against evil.

     Gabriel we know from the Annunciation, when Gabriel appears to Mary and announces that she was "Blessed among women" and would be the mother of the Son of God.  The name means "God is my strength" or the "Might of God".  He is the herald of the mysteries of God.  He is a messenger of Good News.

     Raphael is found in the story of Tobit in the Hebrew Scriptures, and brings healing sight to the ailing Tobit.  Raphael's name means "It is God who heals".

     Three special angels, gifts of God for his people, who stand as champion/defender ... bringer of Good News ... and bearer of God's healing love.

     More to follow as we look at the rest of the week.