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The saint for March 24
Saint Gabriel
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| Feast (Double Major)----Roman Calendar (pre 1956) |
| Celebrated Sept 29 New Calendar |
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The Archangel Gabriel is one of the seven who stand before the throne of God. He is one of three archangels mentioned by name in the Bible, and appears in both the old and the New testaments. He appears to Daniel, (Daniel 8:16-26; 9:21) to explain to him the visions Daniel had relating to the coming of the Messiah. He came as well to Zachary in the Holy of Holies(Luke 1:11-20)to announce the coming of Zachary's son, John the Baptist. When Zachary was unable to embrace this, he struck Zachary temporarily mute. In his most celebrated appearance, he came to the Virgin Mary to bring her the great tidings of her selection as the Theotokos(Luke 1:25-38). Church fathers have also attributed to him the announcement of the Child's birth to the shepherds, the announcement to Joseph to fear nothing and accept his bride, and the consolation of our Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane, although these events are not recorded in Scripture.
His name means "The Strength of God", fortitudo Dei, and his appearance is so powerful and radiant that it caused the prophet Daniel to fall on his face trembling (Mary was apparently more composed).
He is known in Church tradition as the Angel of the Incarnation, the Angel of Consolation, the Angel of Mercy.
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| Patron of all Workers in Communications Fields, Diplomats, Ambassadors |
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