Pope St Gregory the Great distinguishes between angels and archangels: "Those who deliver messages of lesser importance are called angels, and those who proclaim messages of supreme importance are called archangels. The liturgy celebrates the feast of these three archangels who are venerated in the tradition of the Church."

Michael (who is like God) was the archangel who fought against Satan and all his evil angels, defending all the friends of God. He is the protector of all humanity from the snares of the devil.

Gabriel (Strength of God) announced to Zachariah the forthcoming birth of John the Baptist and to Mary the birth of Jesus. His greeting to the Virgin, "Hail, full of grace," is one of the most familiar and frequent prayers of the Christian people.

Raphael (God's healing) is the archangel who took care of Tobias on his journey.

As we reflect upon the angels' beauty, power, and strength, we are drawn towards a more profound and more precise understanding of God's love for humanity. Jesus seems to indicate that each person has a guardian angel given personal charge over a particular child of God.