LiturgyTools.net: Hymns for the Feast of St Michael and All Angels (Michaelmas) / Saints. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels

This is a selection of hymns for the feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels.

Historically this was the feast of St Michael: known as Michaelmas, it was a day of civic / legal importance as well as a feast day. In the current Catholic calendar, all three archangels share a feast day - although most of the traditional material for the day is based on Michael.

The hymn suggestions below are either directly about these angels and their tasks, or about all angels, or the assigned readings for the day.

About Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels

Michael ("Who is like God") was the archangel who fought against Satan and all his evil angels, and protects all humankind from the snares of the devil. He is the the "Prince of the Heavenly Host" and the leader of all other angels, and symbolises the triumph of good over evil and protection.

Gabriel (Strength of God) announced the immanent of John the Baptist to Zachariah, and of Jesus to Mary. He greeted the latter "Hail, full of grace," - and this forms the basis of the Hail Mary prayer. Mary was deeply troubled by his message, and he replied "Do not be afraid".

Raphael (Medicine of God) cured Tobias from blindness. He represents healing and acts of mercy.

Readings

First:
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14:
The prophet reports that "Thrones were set up and the Ancient One took his throne. ... I saw One like a son of man coming ... he was presented to the Ancient One ... [and] received dominion, glory, and kingship; nations and peoples of every language serve him ... his kingship shall not be destroyed."

OR

Revelation 12:7-12:
Michael and his angels battle against the devil in heaven, and win. A voice says "Now have salvation and power come, and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of his Anointed." ...

Psalm 138 - In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord / I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart / Because of your kindness and your truth / All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O LORD

Gospel: John 1:47-51 - Jesus recognises Nathaniel, who in turn says "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel." ... Jesus replies "You will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

Suggested free-use hymns

A Mighty Fortress

All Hail the Power of Jesus Name

All Night All Day (Angels watching over me) - especially suitable for children

Angel-voices ever Singing - Potts

Around the Throne of God, A Band

Christ, the Fair Glory of the Holy Angels - Marius, trans Riley

Come let us Join our Cheerful Songs - Watts

Dear Angel Ever at my Side - Faber

Gabriel Angel of Light and Strength of God

God that Madest Earth and Heaven - Heber

How Shall I Sing that Majesty - Majesty

Jacob's Ladder (As Jacob with travel was weary)

Jesu Brightness of the Father

Let us all Exult with Joyous Hearts

Lord God, to Thee we Give all Praise - Cronenwett

O Christ the Glory of the Angel Choirs

O Christ Thy Servants' Wanderings Spare

O Worship the King

Onward Christian Soldiers

Stars of the Morning so Gloriously Bright - Neale

The Splendour of the Father’s Rays - Husenbeth (1796-1872)

Thee, O Christ, the Father’s Splendour - Neander

They Come God’s Messengers of Love - Campbell

'Tis the Midnight Hour

Ye Holy Angels Bright

Yet Watchers and Ye Holy Ones

You Servants of God Your Master Proclaim - Wesley, verse 3

Hymns that may still be copyright

Angels of God, you see the Father’s Face - Stanbrook Abbey

All you Angels Round his Throne - Nelson

Christ, the Lord of hosts, unshaken - Peter Prange (1972- )

Gabriel's Message

Guardian Angel from Heaven so Bright

Hail Bright Archangel, Prince of Heaven

Holy Michael Great Archangel

Hymn to St Michael (Holy Michael ... of Angels)

Hymn to St Michael the Archangel - Townsend (ref)

Jesus, Glory of the Angels

Michael, Prince of All the Angels - Walsh

Michael Prince of Angels - Renell

Praise the Lord from the Heavens - Kendrick

Prayer to St Michael - Koerber (sheet music)

Safe in the Shadow of the Lord - Dudley-Smith

Sons of the Holy One Bright with his Splendour

St Michael the Archangel - (video and another)