Friendship with the archangels

“Friendship is … the sort of love one can imagine between angels.” – C. S. Lewis

Infertility is hard. Going through it alone without a support network makes it harder. Friendships bloom when tough life circumstances occur but sometimes, friendships come to be in a different manner. Prayer is one way of cultivating friendships that are not of an earthly nature. 

Through prayer, we find ourselves relying on saints and angels that hold specific missions or roles to help us heal and navigate our struggle. Through tears, prayer became my solace and comfort. I found saints I may never have encountered had it not been for infertility. I also realized angels and archangels could be powerful allies and friends. As we celebrate the feast of the archangel this week, I have chosen to take each archangel and show how they can be a great friend to you, my dear sister in Christ, as you navigate this lonely and barren desert.

Within the realm of angels, we find a special category of angels known as the archangels. This type of angel holds a special place in the eyes of God. The Church recognizes the presence of seven archangels but only three were named: Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel and Saint Raphael were officially acknowledged during a Council in Rome in 745, under Pope Saint Zachary.

In the Bible, we encounter these Archangels in different books and situations. They have the ability to fight evil, make announcements and bring healing, three areas pertinent to infertility. Being infertile leaves one vulnerable to the warped ideas that Satan tries to make us believe. We become fearful of news and announcements made by doctors, friends or family members. And one can never escape the many doctor visits and tests required to obtain a clear diagnosis and treatment plan for healing.

So, how can these archangels help you during this most difficult time? How can they be your friend? 

Saint Michael

“Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they were defeated and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.” (Revelation 12:7-8)

Saint Michael, whose name means “Who is like God?”, is a warrior. Paintings show him wearing a suit of armor, carrying a sword and stomping on the head of the Enemy. Because of his protective nature, he is the patron saint officers of the law, soldiers and firefighters. He defeated evil with courage and knew he would conquer because he was sent by God. For this reason, he is the perfect friend to help you when you are believing the lies the Enemy has used to poison your mind and soul.

When we are infertile, it is easy to feel unworthy. Due to our inability to bring life into this world, we allow the Enemy to enter our hearts and doubt God’s presence and love for us in the midst of such suffering. The Enemy preys on our weakness and instills lies we find ourselves thinking are true. These false truths turn us away from God. We believe we are less than, not enough and that God will not answer our prayers.

This is when we must turn to Saint Michael. He is our warrior. He is our protector. Through his intercession, we will find peace in knowing that evil has been defeated. That protection from evil will keep us safe in God’s arms. And Saint Micheal will help ward off the enemy’s twisted grip on us.

Saint Gabriel

“In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, ‘Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.’” (Luke 1:26-31)

Whether it be pregnancy announcements, a message from our doctors or receiving an invitation to a baby shower, these are all triggering to one going through infertility. They make us anxious and fearful and it makes it difficult to find strength and courage. Saint Gabriel, whose name means “strength of God”, is the friend you must seek.

Saint Gabriel was a pregnancy announcer. He told Mary about Jesus and Zechariah about John the Baptist. His role as a messenger of God makes him the patron saint of messengers, postal workers, communications and broadcasters. 

I remember dreading pregnancy announcements. As painful as they were, I remained happy for the blessed couple because a baby was a blessing. Still, when left alone, I could no longer hold back the tears and the anger that filled my heart. The same feeling of dread accompanied me at each doctor visit. I hoped to be told it was all a mistake. Instead, I was left having to schedule more blood work and tests. Ovulation and pregnancy tests were a monthly curse. I was living with fear and hope. Eventually, I chose to be like Mary. I chose to be the “handmaid of the Lord” and carry the cross He intended for me. 

Next time you are at the doctor, ask Saint Gabriel to prepare your ears and heart for the news. When an invite to a baby shower or Baptism arrives or a pregnancy announcement is made, ask Saint Gabriel for strength. 

Saint Raphael 

“I shall now tell you the whole truth and conceal nothing at all from you. I have already said to you, ‘A king’s secret should be kept secret, but one must declare the works of God with due honor.’ Now when you, Tobit, and Sarah prayed, it was I who presented the record of your prayer before the Glory of the Lord; and likewise, whenever you used to bury the dead.  When you did not hesitate to get up and leave your dinner in order to go and bury that dead man, I was sent to put you to the test. At the same time, however, God sent me to heal you and your daughter-in-law Sarah. I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand and serve before the Glory of the Lord.” (Tobit 12:11-15) 

Some of us are blessed living in an area where we can access these doctors and NFP teachers. But some areas do not have access to the help women facing infertility need. There are some of us that had to travel hours and even cross state lines to obtain proper medical care. Whether you live in an area that gives you access to the medical professionals you need or need to travel, Saint Raphael can guide you.

Saint Raphael, the “Divine Healer”, is the friend you need. His healing nature made him the patron saint of doctors, the blind, matchmaking, the sick and those who travel. As the wife of a surgeon, I pray that through his intercession, he guides my husband’s hands during a difficult surgery. I did the same when I had my own surgery. I felt confident knowing that I had someone watching over me. 

Saint Raphael is also known as a spiritual healer. Our spiritual health is at risk when we are living with infertility. During my darkest moments, I stopped praying. I wanted to punish God because I felt like He was not listening to me, He was not seeing my pain and He was not answering my prayers. It took me a long time to get back on track with my relationship with God. I failed to seek help through Saint Raphael – he would have led me by the hand and turned me towards God. I don’t want to be alone spiritually. Seek Saint Raphael’s help.

I hope this has prompted you to learn about the Archangels and even start asking for their help. Doing something hard alone is like trying to make a cake with eggs, flour, sugar and milk. Yes, it’s impossible. Friends are important when we are facing hard times. You don’t have to do this alone. Seek friends, like the archangels, to help you during this trying time.

My dear sister in Christ, you are not alone. You are seen. You are loved. You are strong. You are worthy. You are enough. You are prayed for. One last thing: I send you a hug and am praying for you.