Could
you explain why Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are called "saints"
when they are angels?
Could you explain why Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are called "saints"
when they are angels
From ancient times when used for angels, the word "saint" was simply a translation for the Latin word "sanctus" which means "holy." All rational creatures who share God's life and nature (sanctifying grace) have been called "holy." The term was applied correctly to the good angels and to the souls (and in the case of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to the body) of those who are in heaven and enjoying the beatific vision. Sometimes the early Christians even referred to each other as "saints," meaning that it was assumed they were in the state of grace, sharing God's nature even now, and thus destined to see Him forever in Paradise. In the Bible and the liturgy the word "holy" is applied to God Himself. By analogy it can be applied to all who share His life. Later on in history, the word "saint" became more restricted and was applied with a certain exclusivity to creatures of body and soul, whose souls were united to God in heaven. Canonically, the word can only be used for those souls who have been "canonized" or "raised to the honors of the altar." Normally, nowadays we apply the word "saint" only to the souls of the just human beings in heaven and use other terms for angels. However, the ancient usage is still allowable and valid.
Reprinted from February 6, 1998
Must we believe in the existence of angels?
Yes. The "Catechism of the Catholic Church" states: "The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls angels is a truth of faith. The witness of Scripture is as clear as the unanimity of Tradition." The Fourth Lateran Council solemnly defined this truth of the Catholic Faith. If one were to doubt or deny the existence of angels, by that fact one would defect from the Catholic Faith.
Reprinted from October 4, 1996
How many angels and archangels are there?
I do not know. I do not think God has revealed this to us. We know that there are "legions of them" (Matthew 26:53) and many myriads (thousands) of them (Revelation 5:11), but the exact number (if pure spirits without any matter can be numbered) is not known on earth.
Reprinted from October 16, 1998
What are the choirs of angels?
The term "choirs of angels" refers to their various ranks and has nothing to do with musical choruses. The various terms used about angels in Sacred Scripture have given rise over the centuries to the view that there are nine ranks or choirs of angels. The highest are the Seraphim, followed in descending order by the Cherubim, Thrones, Principalities, Dominations, Powers, Virtues, Archangels and Angels.
Reprinted from October 25, 1996