Author: Michael Antaya

Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. But who are these mystical creatures that we call the angels of God? What is their purpose in God’s plan? Today will be part one in a two part series that takes a deeper look into who angels are.

Contrary to popular culture, angels are not human beings and human beings do not “become angels” after death. The church teaches us that angels are spiritual creatures created by God to serve him. Angels have intelligence and free will. Saint Augustine tells us that “angel” is the name of their office, however what they are is spirit. With their whole beings the angels are servants and messengers of God (CCC 329)

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states angels have been present since creation and throughout the history of salvation. Announcing this salvation from afar or near and serving the accomplishment of the divine plan (CCC 332).

Tradition tells us there are nine ranks or choirs of angels, with each rank having a specific function. They are: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominations, Principalities, Powers, and Virtues, Archangels and Angels. The highest of the order being the Seraphim whose sole job is to adore the throne of God.

We will continue our discussion on angels on Friday as we celebrate the memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels.

“Last night, at the prayer meeting here, I spoke to my prayer group of my being led to promote a healing ministry here at St. Anne Shrine. Irene Cote told me that she had received a prophecy two months ago that St. Anne Shrine would once again become a place of healing, greater than ever.”

Journal entry of Very Rev. Pierre E. Lachance -July 19, 1978

Brothers and sisters today we celebrate the twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. In today’s readings the Lord is talking to us about doing His will over our own, and what challenges it may pose. In the gospel, Jesus gives us the parable of the two sons asking which did the father’s will. Friends, our world is so full of noise that we all too often forget that we should be doing God’s will. Our world is filled with me, myself and I. What “I” want to accomplish in “my” life. Friends lets take a moment today to read the scripture passages assigned to today’s liturgy. Let us reflect, on what the Lord’s will is in our lives and strive each day to be beacons of that light to the world.

Today the church honors St. Pio of Pietrelcina commonly known as “Padre Pio.” He is known by many of the faithful for bearing the stigmata, or the wounds of Christ. He was also known to have the gift of reading souls as well as the ability to bilocate. Padre Pio has proven to be a powerful intercessor. St. Pio, pray for us.

Today the church celebrates the feast of Saint Matthew the Evangelist. Tradition tells us that Matthew was a tax collector for the Romans. In the first century, tax collectors were regarded as sinners and they were known for cheating their own people for their own self gain. In today’s gospel, Jesus reminds us that he came to the world, not for the righteous but rather for the sinner. “Those who are well have no need for a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what that means. ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9: 12-13