Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life.
ST. BASIL
Angels have been present since creation and throughout the history of salvation. They are purely spiritual beings created by God to love, worship, and serve him. The whole life of the Church benefits from their mysterious and powerful help. From infancy to death, we are surrounded by their watchful care and intercession. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 328-336)
The archangel statues at St. Gabriel are the generous gift of a parish family, hand-carved in wood by Demetz Art Studio in Milan, Italy.
Gabriel, whose name means “Messenger of God", is referred to in the Old and New Testaments. He has a unique role in salvation history, appearing to the Virgin Mary. In asking if she would bear the Son of God, his message opened the door to the incarnation of God, who took on a human nature to save us. Gabriel is often depicted with a lily, a sign of Mary's purity. His staff symbolizes his authority, speaking for God. Gabriel is the patron saint of messengers and our parish.
Michael, whose name means “Defender of God”, is mentioned in the books of Daniel, Jude and Revelation. He is often garbed in military attire, carrying a weapon upon which Satan is impaled. Revelation 12 explains how many angels rose in rebellion against God. Michael led the war against them, casting them down to the earth. He is the patron saint of the military and police officers.
Raphael, whose name means “God heals”, appears in the Old Testament book of Tobit. He is sent by God to guide Tobias on his journeys and heals his father's eyes with the “bile” of a fish. As the patron saint for those on a pilgrimage, Raphael carries a staff for travelers and a fish for healing. The bottles of water he carries may also be connected with pilgrimages or to an ancient tradition that links Raphael with the healing waters of the pool of Bethsaida.