Tản mạn: ARCHANGELS AND THEIR ROLES WITH LEGIONARIES

1/ Who are angels/ archangels and their general roles?

Angels are created by God to serve as His messengers. Archangels receive more significant missions from God. According to Revelation, angels who share in the glory of the Trinity are called to aid in humanity’s salvation at times chosen by Divine Providence (Pope St. John Paul II, General Audience, 6 August 1986).

2/ St. Micheal Archangel:

Known as the prince of angels and "one who is like God," he defends us from Satan and protects us from temptation. He reminds us to use God’s gifts for His glory in our daily struggle.

We often pray in the “Our Father” to be led away from temptation and delivered from evil. Yet, how often is this prayer fulfilled? Our efforts must work with God’s grace to succeed. For Legionaries, our weekly assignments depend on both our cooperation and God’s gifts. Outwardly, the Legion of Mary appears successfully - known and grown for 105 years since its founding in 1921. But is this true success? Every organization, religious or secular, faces challenges and temptations over time: the lure of honour, glory, hierarchy, comfort, and finances. Have we considered whether our own praesidium is affected by these temptations?

So, we are, in each daily life, each assignment, called to turn away from sin and temptation and use God's gifts to seek our salvation. For the grace to do that, we may ask for the intercession of St. Michael in our time of need.

3/ St. Gabriel Archangel:

Called the “strength of God,” St. Gabriel is entrusted with important messages and brings the good news of God’s love to all as His messenger.

The vocation of Legionaries is not only to celebrate God’s love but also to proclaim it. Acts such as visitations, praying the Rosary, welcoming and farewelling, giving communion, helping the elderly attend church, and supporting parish ministries all reveal God’s love to others. God’s strength is not physical power or violence, but love that transforms hearts. The true battleground is within human hearts, not on any land. Our victory is in saving souls, and our weapons are prayer, the Rosary, and love.

May St. Gabriel the Archangel intercede for us, so we may truly know God’s love and learn how to share it with others in ways that are wise and fitting.

4/ St. Rafael Archangel:

Known as God’s healing power, St. Raphael inspires us to trust in God’s ability to heal all our difficulties.

Legionaries devote themselves to many weekly assignments: serving the poor, supporting the marginalized, accompanying those in need, and assisting in various parish and diocesan ministries. These acts of devotion are important, but it is essential to reflect on the deeper meaning behind them.

While these works are valuable, Legionaries must remember that their true mission is to bring God to others—through Mary’s companionship—and to help open the way for God to save and heal souls.

May St. Raphael the Archangel pray for us, that Legionaries remain aware of our purpose. The deeper meaning of our service is revealed when we recognize that we are simply channels of God’s peace.

Author and Picture: Little Stream