On September 29th the Church celebrates the Feast of the Three Archangels, St. Michael, St. Raphael, and St. Gabriel.

Belief in angels is required by the Church. Please see paragraphs 328-336 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church .

St. Michael is a patron and defender of the Church and the chief angelic nemesis of Satan. His intercession can be invoked when you need to counter the “cunning, baffling, powerful” allure of alcohol. Not to blame Satan for your alcoholism, but it is a tool that he can use to keep you away from God.

St. Raphael is God’s Healer. He is also the Patron Saint of Happy Meetings (such as finding a spouse). His healing abilities are detailed in the Old Testament Book of Tobit. His intercession can be invoked in your constant battle against alcohol.

St. Gabriel is the Angel of the Incarnation. He told the Blessed Virgin Mary that she was to be the Mother of Jesus, the Messiah. He also told old Zechariah that he was to become the father of John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin and the precursor to the Messiah. His intercession can be invoked to better perceive and understand God’s will.

Angels are one of the coolest things about the Catholic Faith and Her spirituality. Some may regard belief in them to be silly and superstitious, or at least reserved for children. But all the Saints and great theologians and thinkers of the Church believed in their existence and in their ability to come to the aid of humans.

We are not alone. We have the Saints to intercede for us, and also these special beings, the Angels that were created by God to serve as His messengers and tools of His will and Divine plan. Use them.

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Know someone, perhaps yourself, who might like Catholic devotionals for alcoholics? Please take a look at my books! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)