St. Gabriel The ArchangelAlthough angels are mentioned numerous times in Sacred Scripture, only three are given proper names: Gabriel, Michael, and Raphael. Gabriel first appears by name in Daniel 8:16, where he explains the vision of the horned ram to Daniel. (The ram signified the destruction of the Persian Empire by Alexander the Great). Gabriel is the angel who announced the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah (Luke 1:19) and he announced the birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:26). Because of his association as a communicator of God’s will, Gabriel is the patron of radio workers. His feast day is September 29. |