As we celebrate Saints Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and all the holy angels and archangels, these messengers of God Most High, we recall that as we chant our praise to God, we join them in their endless praise. Indeed, when we pray the heavens are thrown open, and we are one with the angels and saints in their ceaseless adoration.
And we invoke the help and protection of the angels. Because of their roles in salvation history, traditionally Saint Michael is known as patron of police officers and guards; Saint Gabriel, patron of messengers and mail carriers; and Saint Raphael, patron of physicians.
Detail of The Assumption by Fra Angelico.