September 29, Sts. Michael, Gabriel, Raphael 

In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.--Psalm 138:1

Mass readings: Daniel 7:9-10,13-14 or Revelation 12:7-12 / John 1:47-51

An Angelic Feast

According to a Gallup poll, American belief in angels is around 75 percent. Joan Wester Anderson, author of popular angel books, says that many people report ''angel interventions.'' Few resemble today's reading from Daniel that pictures angels in ''clothing bright as snow'' and ''surging streams of fire.'' Instead, Americans have a pervasive sense of their loving protection and guidance.

Separate memorials for Gabriel and Raphael were merged with the September 29 feast of St. Michael in 1970. These three are the only angels specifically named in Scripture. Devotion to St. Michael is the oldest angelic devotion and came from the Eastern Church. The ''Akathist to the Archangel Michael,'' an ancient Greek Orthodox prayer, is stunningly beautiful and a devotional treasure.

Prayer: ''Hail, candle of truth and justice, shining like gold! Hail, Michael, great chief captain with all the hosts in heaven!''