Roman Missal, 24 March

Prayer to Saint Gabriel the Archangel

The angel of the Annunciation

LatinEnglish

Deus, qui inter céteros Angelos, ad annuntiándum Incarnatiónis tuæ mystérium, Gabriélem Archángelum elegísti: concéde propítius; ut, qui festum eius celebrámus in terris, ipsíus patrocínium sentiámus in cælis: Qui vivis et regnas cum Deo Patre in unitáte Spíritus Sancti, Deus, per ómnia sæcula sæculórum.

O God, who among all the angels chose the Archangel Gabriel to announce the mystery of your Incarnation, mercifully grant that we who keep his feast on earth may feel his protection in heaven. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

SourceRoman Missal, 24 March · The angel of the Annunciation

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The history of this prayer

Gabriel, “strength of God”, is the angel who explains the visions to Daniel, announces to Zechariah the birth of John the Baptist, and brings Mary the news that she will be the Mother of the Saviour. That is why the Church calls him the angel of the Annunciation.

This prayer is the collect of the former feast of St Gabriel on 24 March, the eve of the Annunciation. Since 1969 he has been celebrated together with St Michael and St Raphael on 29 September. Pius XII named him patron of telecommunications in 1951.

Frequently asked questions

When is St Gabriel's feast?

On 29 September, with St Michael and St Raphael. In the traditional calendar, on 24 March.

What does the name Gabriel mean?

“Strength of God”, or “God is mighty”.

What is St Gabriel the patron of?

Of messengers, postal workers and telecommunications.

More prayers: The angels

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