Feast Day:
September 29
Also known as
Fortitudo Dei
Profile
Angel. 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; man of God; the strength of God
Patronage
Argentinian ambassadors,
broadcasters,
clergy,
communications workers,
diplomats,
messengers,
philatelists,
post offices,
postal services,
postal workers,
radio workers,
secular clergy,
stamp collectors,
telecommunications workers,
telegraphs,
telephones,
television,
television workers
Representation
lily; shield; spear; trumpet
Reading
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 on the gospel of Pope
Saint Gregory
the Great
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