September 29 - Feast of the Archangels or Michaelmas ‘Te days between todays feast and October 2nd (Feast ofthe Guardian Angel) are known by children as “the angel days.” ‘Angels are signs of God's care and love. They remind us how God knows each of us. When we say the Nicene Creed, we say we believe in one God “maker of all that is seen and unten," God) ‘rated the angels, whether we see them or not, and they are most wondrous to contemplate! 35September ‘Take these days to learn about angels and celebrate them in a variety of ways ‘The Archangels: There are nine classes of angels, as listed in Colossians 1:16, and Romans 8:38. Archangels are one ofthese. Names of, three are given in the Bible—Michae!, Gabriel, and Raphael—and they are the ones celebrated on this feast day. There are others who are named in traditional sources and from Jewish books: Uriel, Jophiel, Chamael, Zadkiel, {and Jophiiel Here are descriptions of the three biblical archangels Use them to Introduce children to them. ‘The Archangel Gabriel: The word angel means “messenger” and Gabriel isthe archangel ‘who brought very important messages from God. We learn of him in the Old Testament book of Daniel. In the New Testament, Gabriel came to Zechariah to tell him of the child, John the Baptist, that Zechariah and Elizabeth would have. And, of course, it was Gabriel who came to Mary, asking her to be the Mather of God. Tradition has it that Gabriel wil sound the trumpet'on the day of judgment, calling all people from all times and places. Gabriel has been pictured in many ‘examples of fine religious at. The name means "God is my strength.” ‘The Archangel Raphael: Raphael appears only in one book of the Bible, the Book of Tobit, This is a wonderful story of guidance, healing and lave, (See below) However, in the Gospel of John. inthe story about the healing pool where Jesus heals a man, tration says it was Raphael who sted those waters. Story: Traveling with an Angel (Gased on the Book of Tobit) Long ago there lived a man named Tobit, his wife Anna, and their son, Tobias. They were ‘good people whe loved God. Tobit had become blind and was now very unhappy. He even prayed to die, and one day called Tobias to him. “"My son, when | am gone, always honor your mother. Pray each day and keep God's laws. Give to those who are in need, and marry a Jewish gi” the father said. “Now | must tll you that long ago, | left money with my cousin Raguel. I's ime to get it back. Find someone to travel with you, It's a long way.” ‘Tobias met a pleasant traveler named Raphael. Along the way, near a rive, a fish bit Tobias. "Catch itt” Raphael shouted. He did. They ate part of it, but Raphael decided they should keep the rest to make medicines. Then he said, "Your relative has @ daughter named Sarah. You should marry her.” ‘Tobias’ eyes grew wide. “I've heard about Sarah. She has gotten married seven times, but all her husbands died right after the wedding! They say there is a demon who kills them!” “Leave the demon to me,” Raphael said mysteriously. “Sarah is smart, brave, and beautiful God wants you to mary her.” ‘At Raguel’s home, Tobias met Sarah. Raphael told Tobias to take part ofthe fish and put it on the fir, then pray with Sarah, The demon ran away! Tobias and Sarah got marred 36‘September ‘Sarah's parents blessed them. Raguel gave Tobias his father's money, and the newlyweds started for Tobias’ home with Raphael. When they came near, Raphael took out the last ofthe fish. “Tobias, when you fist see your father, rub this on his eyes. He will see again.” Sad Tobit was siting quietly, hoping his son would return. Tobias ran up, calling, “Let me help you!” He rubbed the fsh onto his father’s eyes. "can see! Praise God! | can see! Praise the angels!” Tobit shouted. “And you have brought me {8 daughter-in-law! God has blessed us! Thank you, Godl” He did alte dance with Sarah. Breathless from shouting and dancing, Tobit said, "Tobias, take half the money Raguel gave you and giveit to Raphael.” “No,” Raphae! said, “Instead, thank God. Never stop praising God. Do good, pray, and give to ‘others. am Raphael, one of God's angels.” “The family grabbed each other's hands, afraid now. "Don't be afraid,” Raphael said. "God sent me to you. But now, | must go back to God.” So the great angel went back to God, and Tobit, who no longer wanted to die, lived many mote years. He did everything that Raphael sad. And he played with his seven grandsons. No doubt he told them stories ofthe angel named Raphael. ‘The Archangel Michael: In the Old Testament, Michaelis described as standing guard over God's people. The Book of Revelation tells how Michael ‘ast the angels out of heaven who thought they were ike God. Michael's name means, “Who is ike God?” Michael is thought of as a great (| i} protector, and is often shown by artists as dressed in armor, fightina Lucifer, || the head of the “allen” angels. Sometimes the evil one is depicted as a dragon, Because Michael fights against evil his feast day offers images of good ‘versus evil, As young as they are, children have an intuitive understanding of this. You need not point out evil in the world to them. They wil easily ‘dertity with Michael’ strength and he offers ther a much better model than a television superhero! Activity: Like Michael ‘Allow some outside play in which they can pretend to be as strong as St. Michael. Fairly harmless “swords” can be made with rolled-up newspaper. Knight each child, and send them off to do good in the world In some counties, September 29th is known as Michaelmas, and has been celebrated since the Middle Ages. Many traditions have sprung up around it, and harvest themes are incorporated. Some countries have certain foods for this day. One is Michaelmas rolls, which could easily become a custom at home or in the classtoom. In keeping with the dragon theme, you can form ‘a dragon shape out of bread dough, making sure it has along tal. Scales can be made with smal bits of dough pressed into the side, and dried fruits to create eyes and teeth. Dragon bread will be 2a fearsome feast! 37