Catholic theology
Catholic belief holds that the church exists both on earth and in heaven simultaneously, and thus the Virgin Mary and the saints are alive and part of the living church. Prayers and devotions to Mary and the saints are common practices in Catholic life. These devotions are not worship, since only God is worshiped. The church teaches that the saints "do not cease to intercede with the Father for us. ... So by their fraternal concern is our weakness greatly helped."
Saint Michael in the Catholic Church
Roman Catholic tradition calls Michael, Gabriel and Raphael "archangels". The word archangel comes from the Greek words "arche" (prince) and "angelos" (messenger). Michael means ""Who is like God?"" (a rhetorical question), Gabriel means ""Power of God"" or ""Strong One of God"" and Raphael means ""God has healed"". Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are named in the Bible as angels. (Roman Catholics accept as canonical, the Book of Tobit, in which Raphael is named.) Only Michael is called an archangel in the Bible. The feast of these angels is celebrated on September 29.