GABRIEL the Archangel
Also known as
Fortitudo Dei
Memorial
29 September (formerly 24 March)
Profile
Archangel. Messenger of God. One of the three angels mentioned by
name in the Bible. Appeared to the prophet Daniel to explain the prophet's
visions relating to the Messiah. (Daniel 8:16-26; 9:21) Appeared to
Zachary in the temple to announce the coming of Zachary's son, John
the Baptist, and to strike Zachary mute for his disbelief. (Luke 1:11-20)
Appeared to Mary to let her know she'd been selected to bear the Saviour.
(Luke 1:25-38)
Born
not applicable
Died
hasn't
Name Meaning
God is my strength; God is mighty; strong man of God; the strength
of God
Patronage
Argentinian ambassadors; broadcasters; clergy; communications workers;
diplomats; messengers; philatelists; Portugal; post offices; postal
services; postal workers; radio; radio workers; archdiocese of Seattle,
Washington; secular clergy; stamp collectors; telecommunications workers;
telegraphs; telephones; television; television workers
Readings
You should be aware that the word "angel" denotes a function
rather than a nature. Those holy spirits of heaven have indeed always
been spirits. They can only be called angels when they deliver some
message. Moreover, those who deliver messages of lesser importance
are called angels; and those who proclaim messages of supreme importance
are called archangels.
And so it was that not merely an angel but the archangel Gabriel
was sent to the Virgin Mary. It was only fitting that the highest
angel should come to announce the greatest of all messages.... So
too Gabriel, who is called God's strength, was sent to Mary. He came
to announce the One who appeared as a humble man to quell the cosmic
powers. Thus God's strength announced the coming of the Lord of the
heavenly powers, mighty in battle.
from a homily by Pope Saint Gregory the Great